Eight Years Since the Brussels Agreement – How Close Is the Solution

After the Brussels Agreement was reached on 19 April 2013, it seemed that the further process of dialogue would unquestionably lead to a compromise solution and the achievement of a binding agreement on the comprehensive normalisation of relations between the two sides. Eight years later, it is clear that the solution is not low-hanging fruit. Unfulfilled promises and regular provocations seem to derail progress constantly.

Although opinion polls show that Kosovo and Serbia’s citizens support the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, most think it lacked transparency, and it did not change anything. In this context, discussants in the first panel will seek answers to the questions: To what extent Kosovo citizens’ lives have changed? Has the Brussels Agreement substantially improved anything? How do the Albanian and Serbian communities see the (non)application of its provisions?

Panel 1 Local perspective – The influence of Belgrade–Pristina dialogue on citizens and local communities
Speakers:

Jovana Radosavljević, Executive Director, New Social Initiative
Donika Emini, Executive Director, CiviKos Platform
Tatjana Lazarević, Editor-in-Chief, KoSSev portal
Moderator: Bojan Elek, Researcher, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

On the other hand, Kosovo’s newly elected leadership messages that dialogue is not a priority, with the Serbian authorities’ open dissatisfaction due to the changes that have taken place in Kosovo, show that the continuation of the normalisation of relations will be facing significant challenges. Therefore, several questions arise: Will dialogue become one of the priorities of the new Kosovo government? What will be the attitude of the Serbian government towards the new Kosovo government? Will the agreements reached so far be implemented? What is the chance of reaching a comprehensive agreement on the normalisation of relations soon?

Panel 2 The future relations – Are we approaching the final agreement?
Speakers:

Rada Trajkovic, President of the European Movement of Serbs from Kosovo
Agron Bajrami, Editor-in-Chief, Koha Ditore
Borko Stefanovic, the former Serbian Chief Negotiator in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue
Moderator: Prof. dr Filip Ejdus, President of the Executive Board, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

You can join the discussion on the BCSP YouTube and Facebook channels.

The panel’s working language is English, but translations into Serbian and Albanian will be provided on the BCSP YouTube channel.