Mitchell: EU add pressure, Kosovo-Serbia end with recognition

Solving the problem between Pristina and Belgrade is viewed with recognition by Serbia and 5 EU countries.

We all know that without recognition there will be no Kosovo steps towards the UN, nor Serbia's steps towards the EU. Over the long term it is not in the interest of anyone that Serbia depends on European aid, when it also has strong ties with Russia and China for energy, and that Kosovo remains an economy dependent on foreign aid and remittances”, he said.

Given the situation in Ukraine, the American diplomat says the Western Balkans may be in danger of destabilising.

It is clear that Vladimir Putin can create instability in the Western Balkans. But I think the war in Ukraine has created opportunities for a much more creative and much more aggressive diplomacy in the region. I think Vuciq is against the wall and there are fewer lines of Russian support than the past. This may push it to be more constructive, but it needs the West to put more pressure on”, Mitchell stressed.

However, Mitchell does not expect a quick return of Serbia from the West.

Serbia is known for its balance game with all parties Russia, China, the EU, the US, this is an old and well-known game. What I can say with full confidence is that Serbia has no lasting future except with the West. Russia is not a stable market for Serbia in the long-term future. I think Serbs know this”, he said in an interview for Euronews Albania.