BRUSSELS – The European Union published its European plan for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia dialogue on Monday after talks in Brussels. EU High Representative Josep Borrell said the next meeting with Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic would take place in March and focus on how to implement the plan.
“Progress was made today, and I commend the parties for their engagement,” Borrell said — appearing before reporters alone without the Kosovo and Serbian leaders, and taking no questions. “At the same time, more work is needed to ensure that what was accepted today by the parties will be implemented,” he said, promising that EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak would continue “shuttle diplomacy” between Belgrade and Pristina in the coming weeks.
Agreement on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina
The Contracting Parties,
Conscious of their responsibility for the preservation of peace,
Committed to contribute to fruitful regional co-operation and security in Europe and to overcome the legacy of the past,
Aware that the inviolability of frontiers and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and the protection of national minorities are a basic condition for peace,
Proceeding from the historical facts and without prejudice to the different view of the Parties on fundamental questions, including on status questions,
Desirous to create the conditions for cooperation between the Parties for the benefit of the people,
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
The Parties shall develop normal, good-neighbourly relations with each other on the basis of equal rights.
Both Parties shall mutually recognise their respective documents and national symbols, including passports, diplomas, licence plates, and customs stamps.
Article 2
Both Parties will be guided by the aims and principles laid down in the United Nations Charter, especially those of the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their independence, autonomy and territorial integrity, the right of self-determination, the protection of human rights, and non-discrimination.
Article 3
In conformity with the United Nations Charter, the Parties shall settle any disputes between them exclusively by peaceful means and refrain from the threat or use of force.
Article 4
The Parties proceed on the assumption that neither of the two can represent the other in the international sphere or act on its behalf.
Serbia will not object to Kosovo’s membership in any international organisation.
Article 5
Neither Party will block, nor encourage others to block, the other Party’s progress in their respective EU path based on their own merits. Both Parties shall respect the values referred to in Articles 2 and 21 of the Treaty of the European Union.
Article 6
While the present Agreement constitutes an important step of normalization, both Parties will continue with new impetus the EU-led Dialogue process which should lead to a legally binding agreement on comprehensive normalization of their relations.
The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements.
The details will be agreed in additional agreements facilitated by the EU-led Dialogue.
Article 7
Both Parties commit to establish specific arrangements and guarantees, in accordance with relevant Council of Europe instruments and by drawing on existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo and ability for service provision in specific areas, including the possibility for financial support by Serbia and a direct communication channel for the Serbian community to the Government of Kosovo.
The Parties shall formalise the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and afford strong level of protection to the Serbian religious and cultural heritage sites, in line with existing European models.
Article 8
The Parties shall exchange Permanent Missions. They shall be established at the respective Government’s seat.
Practical questions relating to the establishment of the Missions shall be dealt with separately.
Article 9
Both Parties take note of the EU’s and other donors’ commitment to establish a special investment and financial support package for joint projects of the Parties in economic development, connectivity, green transition and other key areas.
Article 10
The Parties shall establish a joint Committee, chaired by the EU, for monitoring the implementation of this Agreement.
Both Parties confirm their obligation to implement all past Dialogue agreements, which remain valid and binding.
Article 11
Both Parties commit to respect the Implementation Roadmap annexed to this Agreement.