Disputes over the 15-point agreement on normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia

Abstract

This paper examines the 15-point agreement on normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Two mainstream discourses have prevailed since the agreement was ratified by both countries: on one hand, the Government of Kosovo has branded this agreement as historic, given the fact that in the last century no agreement has ever been reached between Kosovo and Serbia. On the other hand, Kosovo's political opposition has critiqued this agreement stressing that the 15-point agreement devastates Kosovo's statehood. Beyond both extreme stances, we argue that an enhanced autonomy for four northern Serb municipalities ought to be seen as a tool for integration, rather than disintegration of Kosovo statehood. This paper concludes that the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia as a top-down arrangement lacks transparency, and this might jeopardize the achievements reached through this process. Moreover, the EU position should be clearly articulated that redrawing and rearranging the borders of Kosovo and Serbia might overturn the EU's and USA's immense investments in stability, peace, and prosperity in the Western Balkans.

Kosovo-Serbia Negotiations

“…This agreement was considered the starting point of a long process of normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia [3]. The 1 April 2013 Agreement on Principles Governing the Normalisation of Relations provides a solution to the conflict over the governance of Northern Kosovo.…”

Selling Peace: How to Frame a Serbia/Kosovo Deal in a Referendum

“…Over the years, it has become apparent that without Serbia's approval, Kosovo will not be able to obtain full international recognition and a seat in the UN (Rossi 2014). Since 2011, the EU has initiated and facilitated a new round of talks which led to the conclusion of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations, also known as "The Brussels Agreement" in April 2013 (Beha 2018). The very name of the agreement suggested that this agreement was just the beginning of the normalization process, and the EU soon openly stated that it was expecting the process to conclude with a legally binding agreement (EU 2013).…”

Coordinating international interventions in complex settings. An analysis of the EU peace and state-building efforts in post-independence Kosovo

“…Following the agreement, these municipalities were now to be integrated in the institutional framework of Kosovo. 76 Indeed, the Brussels Agreement was another 'status neutral' effort to 'normalise relations' between the countries. The Dialogue was portrayed as a technical process, where it was clear to scholars, politicians and EU facilitators that a discussion about such different things as borders, political arrangements and trade would all touch upon the status question in one way or another.…”