Stabilization and Association Agreement represents a first contractual relationship and the first formal political dialogue between Kosovo and the European Union. On the other hand, the official Belgrade will soon open negotiation chapters with the EU. These processes should enable continuation of the European path for both, avoiding the inter-blocking and “gradual introducing of comprehensive normalization of relations” between Kosovo and Serbia, said in an interview Samuel Zbogar, European Union Special Representative in Kosovo and Head of the EU Office in Pristina.
How you would explain to the average citizen in northern Kosovo what in the package of political decisions, concrete measures and final outcomes means the term “normalization of relations”?
When we speak about normalization, I have in mind several levels: normalization between Belgrade and Pristina, normalization between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo and the normalization of relations between Kosovo and the European Union. These are processes that need to be built over a long period of time. The two prime ministers since 2012 reached several agreements that build and strengthen these processes of normalization. We now have a situation in which the two prime ministers meet, discuss, negotiate and eventually solve common issues. Liaison officers sit in Belgrade and Pristina. Kosovo is a member of several regional organizations, along with Serbia and the region. Police in north is Kosovo police, but that did not arouse fear among citizens. There are on-going processes that will enable the same when it comes to the judiciary. Revenues from the crossings in the North are used for the development of the northern municipalities. After the election in which a significant number of Kosovo Serbs participated, representatives of Serbs sit in the Assembly, and have important responsibilities within the Government. These are all processes which lead to normalization.
Is it the normalization of relations between official Belgrade and Pristina, as interpreted by the Belgrade politicians, or between Kosovo and Serbia, as interpreted in Kosovo?
The European Union has enabled the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in order to strengthen the process of normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. I saw that negotiators on both sides aim to improve the situation. Therefore, I do not believe there is a wrong perception either in Kosovo, or in Serbia.
