Catherine Ashton, the former European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the significance of making compromises in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia during her visit to Pristina.
In a discussion with Philip Reeker, the former U.S. Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Ashton reflected on the challenges of the dialogue process, which she mediated a decade ago.
Ashton stressed the importance of viewing the dialogue as an ongoing process owned by the people of Kosovo and Serbia, rather than being dictated by external mediators.
She noted that the European Union frequently makes internal compromises to achieve greater goals without compromising its principles. She encouraged both parties to find ways to make incremental changes to foster larger transformations.
During her visit to promote her book “And Then What: Inside the Diplomacy of the 19th Century”, Ashton underscored her primary objective during the dialogue mediation, which was to prepare both Kosovo and Serbia for EU membership.
She expressed confidence that Kosovo could become an EU member if it met all the EU’s requirements, emphasizing that Kosovo needed to demonstrate its commitment to this goal.
While Ashton hoped for a new phase in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, she acknowledged that it would not be an easy journey. She reaffirmed her dedication to the dialogue process and helping the countries progress toward EU integration.
Regarding the recent high-level dialogue on September 14, which concluded without tangible results, Ashton expressed disappointment, as did the U.S. State Department.
Philip Reeker, former U.S. Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, highlighted the significant progress he witnessed in Kosovo since his last visit over a decade ago.
He commented on the dialogue’s history, including initial reluctance to involve the United States, and stressed the importance of both sides’ commitment to success and diplomacy.
Ashton and Reeker’s insights come in the context of ongoing EU-mediated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, aimed at normalizing relations. While the parties have signed multiple agreements, not all have been fully implemented.
