BRUSSELS – The draft of the EU’s new enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans, set to be adopted on Tuesday, makes no mention of 2019 as the deadline for comprehensive normalisation between Serbia and Kosovo, Tanjug learns.
Instead, it underscores the two sides should conclude a legally binding agreement on normalisation as soon as possible, unofficial sources said.
According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, the strategy envisions Kosovo progressing on its EU path through implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement – when objective circumstances allow.
Kosovo’s every next step towards the EU will require a consensus of all member states on its status as an independent state.
However, there is no such consensus and the prospects of one ever being reached remain uncertain.
Also, the draft gives Serbia 2025 as the potential accession date.