European Forum

EU seems ready to discuss special status for North Kosovo

Several diplomats claim that EU member states would be prepared to discuss a special solution for Kosovo’s northern part in order to broker a final compromise between Belgrade and Pristina. The talks would have to take place after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issues its advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's independence. Meanwhile tensions have been raised in Mitrovica as on 2 July an explosion killed one man and injured 11 others during a Serb protest and on 5 July Kosovo Serb parliamentarian Petar Miletic was shot and wounded outside his home.

Diplomat sources claim that any potential dialogue on a special solution for North Kosovo categorically excludes reopening negotiations on Kosovo's status or partition. Furthermore, the authorities in Belgrade would have to show a more constructive behaviour towards Kosovo, albeit with no obligation to recognise its independence. EU diplomats believe that if Serbia keeps a low profile, avoiding inflammatory campaigns and aggressive lobbying, and if the language of its resolution is acceptable for EU member states, the big trio - Berlin, Paris and London - will be ready to open the procedure for Serbia's candidate status in October. But if Serbia insists on reopening the status issue or works on the ground to partition Kosovo, its EU perspective would become even more complicated.

As a consequence of recent incidents in the divided town of Mitrovica, Serbian President Boris Tadic addressed the UN Security Council on 6 July. Tadic said that EU Special Representative for Kosovo, Piter Feith, is partly to blame for the recent riots as he has supported the opening of an office of Kosovar government in North-Mitrovica, with a Serb majority who, just as the Serbian government, do not recognize the authorities in Pristina.

Sources: Volkskrant and WAZ.euobserver