Recently arranged Washington Agreement resolving economic issues between Kosovo and Serbia took attention from a decade-long, EU-led political dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. With the new pro-EU President in the White House, it is highly likely to see official Brussels more involved in finding a political solution in Kosovo-Serbia relations. However, to proceed with the dialogue, official Pristina will have to present more willingness in establishing the Association of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo.
On September 4th, 2020, President Trump brokered an economic relations agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. Both sides agreed to restore air and rail links, reliable water and energy supply, and US investments strengthening economic cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina. Besides financial obligations, Serbia agreed to suspend the campaign against Kosovo’s recognition for a year, while Kosovo agreed to a one-year moratorium on seeking membership in international organizations. Three days after, Serbian President Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Hoti met in Brussels with EU special envoy for the Beograd-Pristina dialogue Lajcak, who confirmed that both sides discussed the issues of non-majority communities in Kosovo. Meantime, the legally non-binding Washington Agreement changed its nature as Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was sworn as 46th President of the US. In return, the new administration will most likely continue to support Kosovo and Serbia’s economic relations normalization, leaving the EU to resolve the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue politically. The EU special envoy Lajcak expressed optimism about cooperation with the new US administration restoring joint efforts in the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans. Consequently, Lajcak received the new administration’s support to unlock the dialogue on establishing the Association of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo.
Formally signed on April 19th, 2013, the Brussels Agreement normalized relations between Belgrade and Pristina, with 80% percent of the obligations implemented thus far. However, Kosovo has not implemented the commitment to establishing the Association of Serb majority municipalities. In 2015, Kosovo’s Constitutional Court found the agreement partly unconstitutional. The decision inferred that the Association could not have executive rights over economic development, education, healthcare, urban and rural planning, and Serbia’s budgetary contributions. The EU special envoy Lajcak stated the constitution might change as Kosovo must respect the reached agreement, guaranteeing Kosovo’s integrity, stability, and functionality. Meanwhile, Kosovo Prime Minister Hoti has insisted on mutual recognition as a precondition to discuss the Association’s establishment not formed ahead of a comprehensive settlement with Serbia. However, Lajcak asserted that the Association of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo would be negotiated and settled as one of the outstanding issues from the Brussels Agreement for Kosovo to progress on its EU integration path.
Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is about to enter a crucial phase in resolving the outstanding issues between Serbia and Kosovo. The dialogue success will likely depend on Kosovo politicians’ willingness to fulfill the obligation on establishing the Association of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo. With the Association established, the EU will restore its credibility in the Brussels Agreement’s implementation. Otherwise, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue may leave slight chances for reaching an agreement in the near future.