The Balkans, due to its geopolitical location, has been a center of attraction throughout history. On one hand, being a gateway to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and on the other hand, serving as a bridge between Asia and Europe, has increased the geopolitical significance of the region. Within this context, political stability in the Balkans has also become a subject of interest for the dominant actors in the international system. It can be argued that in recent times, both the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) have shown an increasing interest in the region.
The Balkans are considered a part of Europe. Therefore, the Brussels administration aims for an expansion policy towards the Western Balkans. It can be mentioned that the primary motivation behind this policy is to counter Russia’s political influence in the region. Indeed, various sanctions were imposed between the parties with the Russia-Ukraine War. In this context, it can be expressed that the West aims to reduce Moscow’s influence in the region.
When looking at the political situation in the Balkan region, it is known that various tensions have existed there for a long time. From this perspective, it can be said that the EU is aware of the risk that any tension in the region could escalate into a conflict. Therefore, it can be stated that Brussels, in its approach to the Balkans, has received positive responses from the states in that geography. In recent times, the region’s states have been making efforts to deepen their relations with Brussels, both for their economic development goals and their aspirations to achieve democratic values. While there are various incentives offered to stakeholders in this process, disputes among the regional states can cast a shadow on the process. At this point, it is possible to mention that the EU takes on a mediating role, attempting to prevent potential risks in the region and playing a key role in ensuring political stability in the region.
One of the significant disputes among stakeholders in the region is the normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations. Indeed, the disagreements that arose with Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence in 2008 continue to be relevant today. However, due to Brussels’ interest in the region, various contacts are being made with both actors to ensure the smooth progress of the European integration process. The fact that the parties do not officially recognize each other leads to the dialogue process being mediated by the EU. The Pristina administration also expects the issue of non-recognition to be resolved through this process. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, in particular, wishes to initiate the normalization of relations with its political aspects and argues that mutual recognition is a prerequisite for this. [1]
The main issue to be emphasized is the EU’s approach to Pristina-Belgrade relations. Brussels is working to prevent potential security risks and, therefore, is taking various measures to normalize relations between the parties. Within this context, it can be argued that Brussels is maintaining a constructive stance. For this normalization, the establishment of the Association of Serbian Municipalities in the north of Kosovo is envisaged. Indeed, tensions have increased in the region due to the recent local elections, and efforts have been made to resolve this situation. In a statement made on September 19, 2023, by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, his call for the parties to act constructively and in good faith, as well as his emphasis on both sides sharing responsibility in the progress process, serves as evidence of Brussels’ approach. [2]
The EU aims for normalization between the parties and for the positive progress of Balkan states in their European integration process. The emphasis by General Angelo Michele Ristuca, the Commander of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), [3] on the need for a political solution to the issue and the importance of the parties engaging in dialogue under the auspices of the EU with the support of the United States underscores the acceptance that the Balkans need to consolidate with the West. Considering the security relationships of the Washington administration with EU members and its pursuit of influence in the region, this support is understood.
Despite various obstacles in the normalization process between Kosovo and Serbia, efforts by Western actors continue to progress steadily. Indeed, on September 14, 2023, although the desired outcome was not achieved in the negotiations between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Brussels, Brussels’ interest in the parties persists. [4] European Union Special Representative for the Dialogue, Christian Ramet, expressing that the EU urges the parties to promptly implement the Ohrid Agreement and other agreements, [5] serves as evidence of this interest.
The EU is making efforts to encourage the parties and prevent them from turning to different power centers. Within this framework, it can be argued that the connection between the normalization process and European integration is being emphasized through various moves. Ultimately, it should be noted that the relatively slow progress of the process is due to the lack of alignment in the policies of the parties. In this context, the issue of Kosovo’s recognition stands out as a significant matter. Indeed, President Vucic, in his address to the UN General Assembly, highlighted this issue and expressed that Serbia is working under the auspices of the EU to maintain dialogue with Pristina [6]
Another topic that would be useful to mention is the foreign policy objectives of the parties. Although both actors desire the smooth progress of the integration process with Europe, their foreign policies are shaped on different foundations. Kosovo aims to increase its recognition in the international system, while Serbia seeks acceptance of its historical claims. Both actors advocate for the resolution of disagreements through dialogue and peaceful means. However, an important issue that needs to be emphasized is the historical legacy of the region. In a region with a highly complex demographic structure, tensions have sometimes escalated into conflicts. In this context, it can also be noted that, in addition to diplomatic contacts, the parties have developed their defense industries. For example, Serbian Deputy Defense Minister Nenad Miloradović’s statement that the country’s arms export this year are 25% higher compared to 2022, illustrates this situation. [7]
In conclusion, the Balkans have been an important region throughout history due to their geopolitical position. In recent times, Western interest in the region has increased to maintain its position in global politics. Given the potential for any tension in the Balkans to escalate into conflict, Brussels is making efforts to prevent threats. To sustain the EU’s enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans, it is crucial to mitigate tensions among the actors in the region. Within this context, the normalization process between Kosovo and Serbia is being promoted by Brussels. Ultimately, the fact that the policies of the parties are built on different foundations prolongs the normalization process and, consequently, the EU’s enlargement goals in the long term.
[1] “Kako je Kurti optužio EU da prihvata uslovljavanja koja postavlja Srbija”, Aljazeera, https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/balkan/2023/9/14/kako-je-kurti-optuzio-eu-da-prihvata-uslovljavanja-koja-postavlja-srbije, (Erişim Tarihi: 14.09.2023).
[2] “EU zabrinut što Kosovo i Srbija ne provode obaveze iz sporazuma”, Aljazeera, https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/balkan/2023/9/19/eu-zabrinut-sto-kosovo-i-srbija-ne-provode-svoje-obaveze-iz-sporazuma, (Erişim Tarihi: 19.09.2023).
[3] “Командантот на КФОР смета дека ситуацијата на Косово е нестабилна и лесно може да ескалира”, Slobodenpecat, https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/komandantot-na-kfor-smeta-deka-situacijata-na-kosovo-e-nestabilna-i-lesno-mozhe-da-eskalira/, (Erişim Tarihi: 20.09.2023).
[4] “Vučić i Kurti bez dogovora oko ZSO-a i novih izbora”, Aljazeera, https://balkans.aljazeera.net/videos/2023/9/14/vucic-i-kurti-bez-dogovora-oko-zso-i-novih-izbora, (Erişim Tarihi:14.09.2023).
[5] “EU traži dogovor Kosova i Srbije i primjenu Ohridskog sporazuma”, Aljazeera, https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/balkan/2023/9/20/eu-trazi-dogovor-kosova-i-srbije-i-primjenu-ohridskog-sporazuma, (Erişim Tarihi: 20.09.2023).
[6] “Вучиќ на Генералното собрание на ОН ги обвини западните земји дека со признавањето на Косово брутално ја погазиле повелбата”, Slobodenpecat, https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/vuchikj-na-generalnoto-sobranie-na-on-gi-obvini-zapadnite-zemji-deka-so-priznavanjeto-na-kosovo-brutalno-ja-pogazile-povelbata/, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.09.2023).
[7] “Извозот на оружје од Србија е зголемен за четвртина во однос на лани”, Slobodenpecat, https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/izvozot-na-oruzhje-od-srbija-e-zgolemen-za-chetvrtina-vo-odnos-na-lani/, (Erişim Tarihi: 22.09.2023).
