Bruxelles (Belgique)

The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue : Getting back on track ?

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The European Policy Centre and the United States Mission to EU are pleased to invite you to this online Policy Dialogue :

Monday 13 September 2021
15-00-16.30

The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue : Getting back on track ?

Matthew Palmer
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs,
U.S. Department of State

Miroslav Lajčák
EU Special Representative for the Pristina-Belgrade Dialogue

Viola von Cramon-Taubadel
Member of the European Parliament

Donika Emini
Executive Director, Platforma Civikos
Member of Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group

Corina Stratulat
Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre (Moderator)

Click here to register

The High-Level Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, which dates back to 2006 and stalled last year, resumed this June and already saw the two sides meet twice. This timing seems appropriate given the new political environment. Recent Kosovan parliamentary elections resulted in a landslide victory for Vetëvendosje, led by Albin Kurti, which could indicate a change in political direction. Across the Atlantic, a new President in the White House also suggests the road may be open to make progress in the reconciliation process, as the United States has long been an influential power in the region.

Despite the renewed optimism, recent statements about redrawing borders have given European governments legitimate concerns about the stability and security of the Balkan region. How will Brussels balance out the two sides’ demands and seek to hammer out a compromise ? Will the EU’s strategy of using European integration as a key incentive for reforms resonate with the conflicting parties’ domestic priorities ? What could eventually overcome their respective red lines and incentivise both sides to reach an agreement ? How can the U.S. and the EU work together to help make this happen ?

Our high-level panel will assess the current state of European integration efforts with regard to the EU-led dialogue and the priorities and thinking of the new US administration in that regard.