- In negotiations, Kosovo and Serbia show a readiness for rapprochement.
- The renewed negotiations took place in North Macedonia, headed by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
- A new agreement is intended to put relations on a new footing.
Legend:
Josep Borell announces progress in the negotiations.
Keystone/BORIS GRDANOSKI
On March 18, 2023, the two countries Kosovo and Serbia met at the negotiating table. The talks took place in North Macedonia. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced the first successes after twelve hours of negotiations.
The talks focused on the tense relationship between the two countries. Since the summer of 2022, discrepancies have flared up again. This was reflected, among other things, in technical matters, such as the car registration plates or customs papers.
According to Borrell, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti have now largely reached an agreement in the negotiations on the implementation of an agreement that is intended to put relations on a new footing.
The agreement states that Serbia recognizes the independence of Kosovo. According to Borrell, the recognition of passports, license plates and customs documents is particularly important. On the other hand, Kosovo undertakes to institutionally safeguard the rights of the Serbian ethnic group in the country.
At a first meeting on February 27, 2023, the two sides verbally agreed to an agreement. Both countries are striving to join the EU, but this has been slowed down by the conflict between the states.