Kosovo/Serbia – The path to recognition: Kosovo’s and Serbia’s evolving dialogue (Igor Bandovic, Shpetim Gashi, Fisnik Korenica, Jelena Loncar, Engjellushe Morina, Jovana Radosavljevic, Vessela Tcherneva, ECFR)

The EU-sponsored dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is entering a critical phase: it is unclear whether the parties will agree on a new agenda or continue to discuss old issues.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti aims to set a new agenda for the dialogue and to place Kosovo on an equal footing with Serbia.
The solution to the dispute between Kosovo and Serbia should be to create a societal consensus on both sides of the border.
Kurti prefers not to prioritise the dialogue, but it is not in his interest to delay it – as this would only benefit Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
Kosovo’s leadership should take greater responsibility for the Kosovo Serb community and provide services in areas such as healthcare and education, which are currently in the hands of the so-called ‘parallel structures’.
The leadership should avoid linking this provision of services to any future Serbian concessions on Kosovo’s status.
An internal dialogue would be the best way to address contentious, politicised issues such as the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo.