Kosovo’s European Road and the EU Role in Improving Relations with Serbia

Jeta Goxha

doi:10.22158/uspa.v1n2p252

Abstract

Compared to other Western Balkan countries, the Kosovo case is of particular importance, on the one hand, by the fact that it is the youngest state in the region and, on the other hand, the integration of Western Balkan countries could not be sustained without resolution of Kosovo’s status.This paper aims to analyze the progress made in the relations between the two countries. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is an important factor in regional co-operation, as well as an important condition for stabilizing the Balkans.To make possible the realization of this objective Kosovo has undertaken a number of initiatives, which could facilitate the process of European integration. National Strategy for European Integration aims at supporting Kosovo’s aspirations for membership and EU integration, so that by 2020 Kosovo may have “completed its homework” for EU integration.Following the declaration of independence, Kosovo’s main objective is Euro-Atlantic integration. Mainly, the journey towards the EU has been influenced by a number of factors, such as the overall situation, the political situation in the country, and the close relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. Following the signing on 19 April 2013 of the historic agreement by Prime Minister Hashim Thaci on the Kosovo side and Ivica Dacic on the Serbian side, the situation between the two countries apparently “improved”. But what is different is the fact that this agreement was implemented thanks to the influence of EU representatives after a series of failed attempts.

Highlights

Unlike the precedent periods, since 2008, the year which marks the independence of Kosovo, relations with the European Union are conducted under a completely new agenda
If we refer to Kosovo’s aspiration for European integration it is noticed in a series of documents, starting from the declaration of independence which explicitly cites: For reasons of culture, geography and history, we believe our future lies with the European family
In order to make it possible, at the same time to accelerate Kosovo’s European integration, in May 2012 was created a Task Force. This mechanism was built through a national consensus, which reflects the structure of the National Council and aims to discuss and thoroughly analyze the current situation and the challenges that the country must face in the context of the European integration process in Kosovo

Summary

Introduction

Since 2008, the year which marks the independence of Kosovo, relations with the European Union are conducted under a completely new agenda. In order to make it possible, at the same time to accelerate Kosovo’s European integration, in May 2012 was created a Task Force This mechanism was built through a national consensus, which reflects the structure of the National Council and aims to discuss and thoroughly analyze the current situation and the challenges that the country must face in the context of the European integration process in Kosovo. Essentially a difficult process, this was one of the crucial moments for the Europeanization of both countries In this way, EU influence and mediation has clearly shown that it was the necessary mechanism to raise awareness that if there is no co-operation, there will be no progress. The SAA is usually considered as the formal step preceding the EU accession procedure

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