The chapter 35, in negotiations with the EU, will be the most difficult for Serbia, some analysts estimate, because it is a political condition which requires a comprehensive normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and even the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.
Serbia’s accession to the European Union means opening of the Chapter 32, which concerns the financial control, and the Chapter 35, dedicated to the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. In particular, the Chapter 35 draws the attention of public. According to analyst Momcilo Trajkovic, this is the sword over Serbia. He points out that the purpose of this chapter is to set conditions to Serbia, and if Serbia does not respect the agreement, to suspend the opening of the future chapters, this means, according to him, the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.
“Chapter 35 means that Serbia has loosened and that Kosovo gained, it needs to be said openly. One such process leads most directly to the final recognition of Kosovo. Will Serbia formally sign that Kosovo is an independent state, when it fulfill all from the chapter 35, remains an issue, which the authorities of Serbia use to manipulate with these people “, says Momcilo Trajkovic.
If the Kosovo issue remains open, the European Union will not accept Serbia, says Professor Avni Mazreku.
On the other hand, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak said that the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state was not one of the conditions in the process of Serbia’s negotiations with the EU.
Among other things, the draft of the platform for Chapter 35 requires from Serbia to permit the effective participation of Kosovo in the remaining regional organizations. Among the requirements of the EU is that “Elektomreze Srbije” works according to the laws of Kosovo, and that Serbia allow Kosovo membership in European organizations.
