“take or leave”: Serbia's European Road Links to Kosovo, Sanction Issue on Russia

The normalisation of Kosovo-Serbia relations is seen as an urgent need by policy connoisseurs in Belgrade to preserve stability in the Balkans following Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Kosovo and imposing sanctions on Russia are seen as obstacles to Serbia on its path to the European Union. Aware of political developments in Belgrade estimate that the EU and America seek a guide in terms of the European plan, so that it can be achieved by April.

According to them, once Serbia and Kosovo agree to a clear agenda the issue of sanctions will be put on the table.

Boris Varga, Politologist thinks sitting on two chairs is a Belgrade political game to somewhat postpone resolving the Kosovo issue in the second plan.

However, according to him, we already know that since autumn Western initiatives for resolving the issue that Kosovo has been the basis for stability in the Balkans.

“If it was considered that imposing sanctions and reducing Russia is a priority, no, the Western priority is stability in Kosovo, the permanent solution to the issue. It is believed that this process will take place in phases, and now with the Franco-German plan, preparation for comprehensive agreements on normalization” is beginning, says politician Boris Varga.

Stefan Slavkovovic, a journalist, says Serbia's European road now has two obstacles -- Kosovo and the matter of sanctions.

“When comparing sanctions regarding resolving the Kosovo issue, I believe Kosovo will currently have the primat and that it is no coincidence that from non-paper very soon a Franco-German proposal was reached, which then became the EU plan, while now being mentioned in March, April. I don't think the Kosovo issue will be resolved so soon, but I think sanctions will be imposed ad acta”, he says.

According to analysts, normalising Kosovo-Serbia relations is urgent to preserve stability in the Balkans following Russian aggression against Ukraine.

It is believed that a problem that has been going on for decades can no longer be left for the sake of a broader security, and that the parties have only one “take care of or leave”.