EUISS analysis: An eye alert to the North, West to engage, otherwise there is danger of passage

The European Union Institute for Security Studies has published an analysis about the road Kosovo is pursuing in relation to dialogue and reports with allies and have also provided some recommendations. The authors of this analysis published on “EUISS” It's Ilir Deda and Bojana Zoric.

As written in the latter part of this publication, as global elections are approaching and the war in Ukraine is continuing, stabilising the security situation in Kosovo and the Western Balkans is vital. In view of the challenges facing the region, it is said that over this period it is very important to keep an eye on possible crossing points, especially in northern Kosovo, the Express newspaper reports.

The publication suggests the need for the West to have a stable diplomatic commitment with Pristina and Belgrade during the second part of 2024, as the risk of escalation of security is high.

In the writing, they recommend that the Government of Kosovo urgently adopt a positive agenda for Serbs living in Kosovo, including steps for establishing association and restoring confidence by addressing their legitimate concerns.

After the referendum's failure to oust mayors in the north, Kosovo must resume dialogue with the EU on the conditions for lifting the deployed” measures, the report notes, the Express.

EU The ISS has given some recommendations on the long-term plan:

Diplomatic commitment: The EU must intensify diplomatic efforts with the 5 EU member states that have refused to recognise Kosovo's independence, especially because the 27 EU member states have jointly sponsored the Ohrid Agreement, which seeks Kosovo's membership in international organisations. After full harmonisation of its position with the QUINT countries (9), Kosovo must co-operate with them to initiate a dialogue with the five non-recognising EU states for EU and NATO membership. Kosovo should also push for the opening of reciprocal liaison offices in capitals where such presence is currently lacking.

Building Bridges: Kosovo has much to lose if it insists on rejecting EU recommendations and requirements. It will benefit greatly by making efforts to improve relations with local Serbs and by exploring new ways of facilitating the election of new mayors and municipal advisers in its northern municipalities, by respecting its commitments and re-admissioning in trust in the EU. Dialogue. Finally, the removal of Kosovo's veto into regional agreements would remove a key obstacle to enhanced regional co-operation in the Western Balkans and would help foster socio-economic co-operation within the region.

EU conditioning, red lines and membership: Once the new College of Commissioners is established, the EU must adopt a powerful political strategy to promote continued co-operation between Kosovo and Serbia. There is no other possible alternative for Dialogue. This could include implementing stricter conditions for respecting the Brussels/Ohri provisions on both sides, and clearly defining red lines that cannot be overcome, including a clear time frame for EU membership for both countries.

Security Willing and Prevention: NATO can further support Kosovo's security structures by developing their capabilities to respond effectively to emergency situations. This could include increasing training exercises and joint operational planning, as well as strengthening KSF defence capacities, especially in response to security challenges in the north, such as the Banjska attack. In the long term, this will serve to further improve the KSF's interaction with NATO standards, potentially paving the way for Kosovo's eventual involvement in the PfP framework.