EU strategy for the Balkans: Kosovo mentioned only for dialogue with Serbia

The core of the strategy is for Montenegro and Serbia to be admitted to the European Union by the end of 2025. But for that to happen, Serbia would have to arrive within 2019 “the complete normalisation of relations” with Kosovo.

In the first half of the year, the EU envisions activities related to the Western Balkans.

In February, The EU will publish its prospect of reliable enlargement for the Western Balkans.
In April, the EU will publish comprehensive reports of countries for all Western Balkan countries.
In May, the EU Summit and the Western Balkans will be held in Sofia.

Preparation will also extend to EU budget planning 2019-2025, which will include more programmes for expansion and financial assistance to candidate countries.

The strategic project labels Western Balkan countries as partners, “Western Balkans is part of Europe, geographically surrounded by EU member states”. Peoples of the EU and the region have a common heritage, history and a future defined by common opportunities and challenges”.

Despite this common heritage and common challenges, the document stipulates a clear plan for only two candidate countries, declaring that Montenegro and Serbia should be ready for membership by 2025.

Document It proposes that the other four countries Albania, BiH, Macedonia and Kosovo progress on their European path by then, says the Balkan Policy Research Group report, sends out Telegrafi.

The strategy sets out the first runners, “if all standards have been met, it offers to wrap up general negotiations with Montenegro and Serbia by 2023x1>. In fact, both countries, especially Montenegro, are very advanced in negotiating chapters.

However, having runners ahead, it goes against the General Director's statement to Commissioner Johannes Hahn, who called for a blocked expansion. It cannot make sense for all six, but for at least four, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia.

Montenegrins are angry about entering the EU together with Serbia, which is a few steps back and has resolved the most difficult bilateral issues. A European diplomat commented that Juncker is obsessed with Russia and wants Serbia at all costs.

Germany and Austria oppose the deployment of first runners. Officials in Berlin expect Macedonia and Albania to make much progress and reach as far as Serbia.

Accession candidates must give rule of law, justice and fundamental fundamental rights maximum priority in negotiations”.

Juncker highlighted only three areas for improvement; The new strategy increases competition, regional co-operation and reconciliation as “crucial framework” for convincing reform.

Albania and Macedonia are expected to start negotiations soon, which “must achieve a convincing implementation in five key priority areas, including current judicial reform”.

Macedonia must deliver tangible reform results and resolve the name issue with Greece.

The document is unclear about the other countries' priorities and schedules for the EU integration process.

The strategy calls for reforms to transform Balkan societies with leaders and citizens by assuming and giving European aspirations. Some governments cannot do so, or they should soon show whether they are willing to change course.

Where is Kosovo in strategy?

The strategy refers only to Kosovo in the context of dialogue with Serbia, as a reference point for Serbia's accession.

A European official has said it appears that Kosovo's <x0nd Street towards the EU passes from Belgrade”.

The strategy does not define the status of a membership candidate country.

The strategy notes that by the end of 2019, Serbia must close temporary standards related to Chapter 35.

It calls for a full and comprehensive normalisation of relations ... A comprehensive normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia in the form of a binding legal agreement is urgent and crucial for the European perspective of Kosovo and Serbia ...

“Project-state” by then complete normalisation achieved must pave the way for further substantial progress for Kosovo on the road to European integration”.

If so, there is no EU perspective for Kosovo, without the normalisation and recognition (defacto) from Serbia; provided Kosovo transforms its governance, institutions, rule of law and the economy.

This seems to be the means to remove barriers in the EU. As the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia predict the grand final, few believe Serbia and Kosovo, the leaders can reach an agreement that will resolve bilateral disputes and create good neighbourly relations between the two.

In the best scenario, governments can agree, but implementation will be to take years and may not resolve disputes. The memories are still very fresh; the recent history of negotiations show that Belgrade and Pristina can reach agreement on paper but fail to implement them.

The strategy fails to address the internal challenges facing the EU in relation to Kosovo, but also Macedonia and Albania.

Five EU member states do not recognise Kosovo and have made it impossible for the Commission to present the prospect of Kosovo's application for candidate status for EU membership. Strategy takes into account “The SAA, in force since 2016, a key tool to help Kosovo progress on the road to Union”.

However, it could no longer be unclear.

And the European member state, Greece, blocks both states, Macedonia and Albania.

But if Serbia is accepted in the current term, the provisions should be in force preventing the blocking of Kosovo's accession. /Telegraphy/