Serbia-Kosovo agreement: welcome, but more work is needed

The EU-proposed agreement between Serbia and Kosovo, announced in Brussels a few hours ago, is a positive step forward, but a lot of work still remains.

The European Parliament’s negotiator for Serbia, Vladimír Bilčík MEP, said: “Following months of low points in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue with a focus on crisis management, I’m hopeful that last night’s meeting is a positive step forward in changing the European future of both Serbia and Kosovo.”

Lukas Mandl MEP, the EPP Group’s Spokesman on Kosovo-related questions, underlined that after troubled times, the moment for reconciliation has come: “After 15 years of Kosovo independence, after 1 year of Serbia’s trouble with freedom and peace being globally revealed, it’s time for an agreement to pave the path to reconciliation, recognition and a future in peace and prosperity. There is still a long way to go.”

“Endorsed by all EU Member States, normalisation of relations with Pristina will be a welcoming step forward on Serbia’s EU path. As always, implementation of agreements will be crucial”, added Mr Bilčík.

The agreement does not include recognition of Kosovo from Serbia, but acknowledges official documents issued by Pristina like license plates and passports. Further negotiations brokered by the EU are expected next month.