Opening of the Chapter 35 in the EU membership negotiations with Brussels means a lot to Kosovo Serbs. EU membership is a controversial topic for many Serbs, however being a member of that club means that you are well managed state with strong institutions that can offer legal and physical protection and economic development.

“Serbs who live in Kosovo and Metohija have another additional reason for it, since our existence and survival exclusively depends on strong Serbia being well settled in international affairs, recognized as a counterpart and state whose words are heard, and Serbia is becoming such a state. Today, Serbia is more respected than three years ago and that is clear to everyone, said leader of Civic Initiative SDP Oliver Ivanovic in an interview to Vesti.

When asked whether the influence of Serbs in the Kosovo parliament could also become more significant, Ivanovic said that it depends on who those individuals would be and explained that if MPs are not significant figures at the local level or if they are not recognized in their professions, it is hard to expect that they could represent Serbs in Kosovo institutions in proper manner.

Ivanovic stressed that the biggest problem faced by Serbs in Kosovo is safety, followed by other problems such as legal and political uncertainty, lack of economic perspective and lack of perspective in general terms when it comes to ordinary life. He further said that felling of uncertainty motivates people to migrate, especially those who live in poor conditions.

Ivanovic is currently placed under house arrest pending verdict for committing war crimes against Kosovo Albanian civilians in 1999 and 2000, with four other Serbs. Interview has been carried out with the assistance of his defense attorney.