Ambassadors from the 27 member states of the European Union, forming the group known as COREPER, have reached a landmark agreement on changes to the negotiating framework for Serbia's accession. These latest changes mark a significant step towards normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo.
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In the document approved by the permanent representatives of the EU member states, it is recalled that Kosovo and Serbia reached an agreement in February of last year in Brussels, followed by a consensus on the Implementation Annex in March in Ohrid, REL reports.
The document specifies that the implementation of this agreement will be an integral part of the conditions for the integration of Serbia and Kosovo into the European Union. The proposal to amend Chapter 35 of the negotiating framework for Serbia was made by the European Commission and the EU's External Action Service, following numerous requests from EU member states.
After several attempts to reach an agreement in the working groups of the EU, the matter was passed to COREPER, where on the evening of April 15th, the member states reached a sustainable agreement.
With the formalization of these changes, Serbia will be officially notified of this agreement. Serbia is currently in the process of accession negotiations with the EU, and this change will have a direct impact on its journey towards accession.
The new negotiating framework text establishes the following condition: "Serbia fully implements the obligations arising from the Agreement on the path to normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, as agreed on March 18, 2023."
The EU insists that the agreement and its annex, despite not being signed by the parties, are legal obligations for both countries.
Serbia, through its officials, has stated several times that it will not implement parts of the agreement related to territorial integrity and recognition of Kosovo in international organizations.
As Kosovo does not have candidate status for EU membership, Kosovo's obligations to implement this agreement will be included in the work of the special group for normalization.