Media allegations on the list of 11 points from Berlin that Serbia should fulfill prior to the opening of Chapter 35, which was denied by the German Embassy in Belgrade, represent an elaboration of the existing seven conditions, and essentially, at issue is the recognition of Kosovo, political analyst and editor in chief of the “New Serbian Political Thought” magazine Djordje Vukadinovic told the International Radio Serbia.
The set of 11 conditions that are now discussed, are detailed and precise concretization of some previous conditions, or the previous 7 conditions, which in the opinion of the German side, are not fulfilled, Vukadinovic explains. Basically a “set” of conditions can be interpreted in different ways, hence the difference in the number of conditions. But essentially they all revolve around the basic condition. “Serbia is requested to reconcile with the fact about Kosovo’s independence and not to obstruct Kosovo’s membership in the process of European integration and in joining various regional and other organizations,” says Vukadinovic. But someone here, does not understand or does not want understand this, he says reminding of this week’s admission of Kosovo to the International Olympic Committee. Kosovo will continue to receive such support in sports and other federations, Vukadinovic believes, all the way to the seat in the United Nations. He has not doubt that, Germany will probably set that condition at some point.
Whether these conditions will be formulated, as recently announced by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, who claims Serbia is requested to recognize Kosovo, is a secondary issue, according to Vukadinovic. “President Nikolic is essentially correct, because Serbia is actually requested to recognize Kosovo through the form of acceptance of independence and non-opposition to independence. But whether it will be formally asked of Serbia – that is another question. Prime Minister Vucic and First Deputy Prime Minister Dacic assure us that this is not required. This is probably true, but I believe that this is actually like burying one’s head in the sand and not seeing the upcoming problem,” explains Vukadinovic.
This political analyst reminds that several years ago the main motto of the then policy of the ruling coalition gathered around Tadic’s Democratic Party was “two-track policy.” “If we did not understand then, today it must be clear to everyone that such a policy, embodied in the slogan “Both the EU and Kosovo”, is simply unsustainable for us, ” concluded Djordje Vukadinovic.
Let us remind that next week the Council of Ministers should adopt conclusions on Serbia’s progress towards the EU. As RTS reported, the EU commends Serbia for the implementation of ambitious economic and structural reforms. But what the main point is missing – the date when the first negotiation chapter will be opened. The key is the adamant position of Germany that other chapters cannot be opened before Chapter 35 on the normalization of relations with Pristina, and the progress in this field is expected after the renewal of political dialogue, which is expected after the formation of the government in Pristina.
