Serbia, Kosovo leaders weigh EU proposals to improve ties
The IndependentSign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Recently, those tensions flared over seemingly trivial matters like vehicle license plate formats, or the arrest of an ethnic Serb police officer, triggering renewed concern among Western leaders that a new Balkan conflict might break out just as Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its second year. A senior EU official said before the talks that “we need to break the vicious circle of crisis.” He said the proposals are “not the end of the road” when it comes to normalizing ties between Belgrade and Pristina, but that given recent tensions, the EU plan is the “maximum achievable at this point.” The official briefed reporters on the condition that he not be named because of the highly sensitive nature of the meetings. Vucic said Sunday, before the meetings supervised by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, that he’s “ready to work on the concept and implementation of the proposed plan with clearly defined limitations.” He didn't specify the “limitations,” but he has repeatedly said that they include the refusal to recognize Kosovo as an independent state as well as agree to it becoming a U.N. member. The protesters are also strongly pro-Russia, and one banner read: “Betrayal of Kosovo is betrayal of Russia!” In recent months, U.S. and EU envoys have visited Pristina and Belgrade regularly to encourage them to accept the new proposals, and the two leaders met with senior EU representatives on the sidelines of a major security conference in the German city of Munich earlier this month.
History of this topic
Dutch will block Serbia's EU accession progress, minister says
Dutch NewsSerbian leader speaks to Trump, pointing out Serb support during US election
Associated PressEU envoy urges Kosovo and Serbia to resume efforts to normalize ties through talks
Associated PressEU leaders agree on opening membership talks with Bosnia, but with many strings attached
Associated Press
US envoy travels to Montenegro to support its EU bid as war in Ukraine rages on
The IndependentWestern Balkans leaders pledge to speed up reforms for EU growth plan
Associated PressSerbia protests after Croatia’s foreign minister calls Vučić a Russian ‘satellite’ in the Balkans
Associated Press
EU envoy urges Kosovo and Serbia to step up normalization efforts before the bloc’s June elections
Associated PressNATO head says violence in Kosovo unacceptable while calling for constructive dialogue with Serbia
Associated Press
EU envoy in surprise visit to Kosovo to push for further steps in normalization talks with Serbia
Associated Press
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vuvic dissolves Parliament, calls for early polls
Hindustan TimesEuropean Commission’s chief tells Bosnia to unite in seeking EU membership
Associated PressEU chief says investment plan for Western Balkan candidate members will require reforms
Associated Press
EU chief says investment plan for Western Balkan candidate members will require reforms
The IndependentSerbia and Kosovo leaders break off talks without result despite EU pressure
Associated Press
European Union to press the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo to set decades of enmity behind them
The Independent
EU and US envoys urge Kosovo and Serbia to resume dialogue in order to defuse tensions
The IndependentEU and US envoys urge Kosovo and Serbia to resume dialogue in order to defuse tensions
Associated PressKosovo-Serbia tension threatens the Balkan path to EU integration, Germany’s foreign minister warns
Associated Press
Kosovo-Serbia tension threatens the Balkan path to EU integration, the German foreign minister warns
The Independent
Analysis: Are Kosovo and Serbia on the brink of war?
Al Jazeera
Vucic ‘wants war’: Kosovo PM accuses Belgrade of inciting violence
Al JazeeraWhat is behind renewed tensions between Serbia and Kosovo?
Associated PressEU urges Serbia and Kosovo to respect their pledges after a meeting of leaders ends in acrimony
Associated PressKosovo’s prime minister blames EU envoy for the failure of recent talks with Serbia
Associated PressTalks between Serbia and Kosovo break down again. The EU says their hopes of joining are at risk
Associated Press
Talks between Serbia and Kosovo break down again
Al JazeeraKosovo’s president says Serb investigators are dragging their feet over attacks on NATO peacekeepers
Associated PressEU official proposes 2030 as enlargement deadline for states that have long been waiting in line
Associated Press
EU official proposes 2030 as enlargement deadline for states that have long been waiting in line
The IndependentTop US and EU lawmakers say West is too soft on Serbia when it comes to easing Kosovo tensions
Associated Press
Top US and EU lawmakers say West is too soft on Serbia when it comes to easing Kosovo tensions
The Independent
After years of delay, Western Balkans hope for progress on joining the EU — and financial support
Associated PressSerbia to seek meeting with NATO chief, UN Security Council session on Kosovo tensions
Associated PressThe leaders of the Netherlands and Luxembourg tell Kosovo and Serbia to normalize ties for EU hopes
Associated PressSerbia again threatens armed intervention in Kosovo as tension escalates
Associated PressNo breakthrough after EU summons Kosovo and Serbia leaders for emergency talks
Associated Press
France, Germany urge new elections in Kosovo following flare-up in ethnic tensions
Associated Press
USAID chief optimistic on Serbia-Kosovo talks, pledges support
Associated Press
Serbia, Kosovo leaders in EU-backed talks to normalize ties
The Independent
Kosovo, Serbia leaders resume talks in Brussels to normalise ties
Al Jazeera
US envoy hails ‘historic’ EU-brokered Serbia-Kosovo deal
Associated Press
Kosovo and Serbia fail to sign agreement after marathon talks
The Hindu
Kosovo, Serbia agree on steps to implement EU normalisation plan
Al Jazeera
Serbia, Kosovo agree on how to implement EU plan, envoy says
Associated Press
US envoy ‘optimistic’ about upcoming Serbia-Kosovo summit
Associated Press
Serb leader says he won’t sign anything during Kosovo talks
Associated Press
US endorses EU plan to ease Serbia-Kosovo tensions
Associated Press)
European Union publishes Kosovo-Serbia plan after tough talks
Firstpost
Serbia, Kosovo leaders back EU plan, top diplomat says
Associated PressDiscover Related
)
)
)
