Borrell: Belgrade and Pristina Should Seize New Momentum in the Dialogue

Josep Borrell (BETAPHOTO/European Council/Zucchi Enzo/DS)

Pristina and Belgrade should use a new momentum in the dialogue on normalization of relations and also a new momentum in Europe about the discussions on the Western Balkans and reach a comprehensive agreement which would be “the path to the European future of both sides,” Josep Borrell, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, has said.

The statement was issued ahead of the Brussels meeting of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Premier Albin Kurti, which will be hosted by Borrell and the EU special representative for the dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak.  

Borrell stressed he had been encouraging both sides “to continue with the meetings of the Dialogue without delay and with focus on producing results, despite all the existing difficulties.” He added: “I know, we know that this Dialogue is not going to be easy. But this process and this sincere engagement by both sides is necessary for the benefit of people of Kosovo and Serbia.”

“The European Union and I, personally, we are invested to see rapid progress to finally leave the past behind, to reach a comprehensive legally binding agreement on normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and make the European future a reality,” Borrell stressed.

In Brussels, Borrell and Lajcak will have separate meetings, first with Kurti and then with Vucic to see the prepositions both sides had prepared for a new meeting of the high level dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.