The Brussels dialogue: gaining new momentum, but still hindered by tensions between Serbia and Kosovo

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo increased in late 2022, with Serbs from North Kosovo setting up roadblocks and withdrawing from Kosovo institutions. These developments jeopardize the progress made in the Brussels Dialogue, mediated by the EU since 2011 as a way of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Prishtina. Though being far from a comprehensive normalization agreement, the two parties have been negotiating amidst tensions on a new European proposal for normalizing their relations. This analysis argues that the main reason for repeated tensions between Belgrade and Prishtina is the differing understanding of Kosovo’s identity by the two sides: as an independent state or as part of Serbia. The analysis starts with the background of and reasons behind the recent crisis and delves deeper into the contents of the EU-proposal. It also examines the effects that the adoption of the new proposal could have on political relations in the Balkans and between the Balkans and the EU.