On September 16, GMF hosted a conference in Brussels to examine the future of Kosovar-Serbian relations following a July 22 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which stated that Kosovo’s declaration of independence does not violate international law. The guest speakers were Vlora Çitaku, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kosovo; Robert Cooper, Director General for External and Politico-Military Affairs of the Council of the European Union; and Oliver Ivanović, State Secretary of the Ministry for Kosovo, Serbia. The event was moderated by Ivan Vejvoda, Executive Director of the Balkan Trust for Democracy.

Cooper began by stressing the importance of beginning a dialogue between both partners as soon as possible and noted that the EU has been asked by the UN Security Council to facilitate these talks. He ensured that the future of all western Balkan countries lies in the EU and that it can serve as an objective body in solving conflicts in the region. At the same time, Cooper stressed the importance of clarifying the issue and pointed out that the EU will not accept a “second Cyprus” as a member.

Çitaku said she has high hopes that the ICJ ruling will create opportunities for the region as a whole. She said the Kosovar government expects a clear agenda from the EU, which she considers the facilitator. Çitaku made clear that Kosovo strives for recognition and integration in the EU, and explained that the government of Kosovo wishes to solve these issues quickly, but questions whether Serbia is motivated and can provide clear direction.

Ivanović opened by stating that his country will never recognize the independence of Kosovo. According to him, Kosovo is currently in a transitional period and referred to the need for the further decentralization of powers to the regions. He said a solution suitable for both sides should be brokered with help from the EU, UN, and United States. If such a solution is not found, Ivanović said he expects the situation in the Balkans to worsen again. He said Kosovars and Serbs must cooperate and these negotiations should start with easy non-controversial issues.

Setting up negotiations under difficult circumstances requires finding common ground.  Vejvoda said the willingness to talk with each other, the need to resolve the current situation, the mutual European ambitions, as well as the readiness to accept international mediation should be a good starting base.