Although the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy reiterated her support for the European future of the Western Balkans during her visit to Belgrade, Pristina and North Mitrovica, answers to several key questions – such as the concrete steps towards opening Cluster 3 in negotiations with Serbia, and the EU’s stance on lithium exploitation in the context of the green transition – remained unavailable
At a time when EU enlargement is once again high on Brussels’ agenda, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, continued her Balkan tour with visits to Belgrade, Pristina and Skopje. Having previously visited Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina in April, Kallas resumed her dialogue in May with the remaining decision-making centres in the region. The messages she delivered were not new, but they were clear: the Western Balkans must resolutely step towards a European future, and do so through reforms that bring tangible change, not mere declarations.
NO COMPROMISE ON THE SEPARATION OF POWERS
During her stay in Belgrade, Kallas met with President Aleksandar Vučić, newly appointed Prime Minister Đura Macura, National Assembly President Ana Brnabić, and several ministers. She also held important talks with opposition representatives, civil society and youth, emphasising that it is precisely the energy of young people and their striving for justice that should drive reform.
At a press conference, Kallas highlighted that the enlargement process had gained new political momentum and that now was the time to seize it. “Europe must be a shared vision. Serbia says it wants to join the EU, but we want to see concrete steps. Reforms are the only path to membership,” she stated. She placed particular emphasis on media freedom, the fight against corruption, electoral reforms, and the necessity of respecting university autonomy.
She did not shy away from sensitive issues either: she commented on President Vučić’s visit to Moscow and indirectly criticised his attendance at the military parade alongside Vladimir Putin, stating that she “does not understand the need to stand beside someone who is waging a devastating war in Ukraine.”
When asked by reporters about the beaten and detained activists, Kallas reminded that the foundation of the EU lies in the separation of powers and judicial independence: “We expect EU candidates not to exert political pressure on the courts.”
LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND IS CRUCIAL
In North Mitrovica, Kallas visited the local court and schools, stressing the importance of gaining direct insight into conditions on the ground in areas where narratives differ. “One side says one thing, the other says something else. But international presence allows for a more objective view,” she said. She particularly emphasised that the return of Serbian judges is key to the functioning of the judiciary in northern Kosovo.
In Pristina, her message was unequivocal: political parties must overcome their differences in order to end the institutional deadlock that has persisted since the February elections. “Forming a new Assembly and Government is an essential step towards stability and Kosovo’s European future,” said Kallas.
She also addressed the sanctions imposed by the EU on Kosovo in 2023 due to developments in the north. She announced their gradual lifting, conditional upon avoiding further escalations like those seen last summer.
NO EU PATH WITHOUT NORMALISATION
In the context of the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, Kallas stressed that the EU had appointed a new Special Representative and was actively mapping the issues and potential solutions. According to her, the normalisation of relations is not merely a formality, but a prerequisite for the European path of both sides.
“If countries in the region implement reforms but see no progress because of EU inertia, then the responsibility is on us,” she said, adding that enlargement must not remain mere political rhetoric
“Candidate countries must align with the EU’s common foreign and security policy. If you want to be part of the Union, you must act in accordance with its values and principles,” said Kallas, also underlining the importance of aligning with the EU’s policy on Russia – which is currently not the case with Serbia.
EUROPE MUST ALSO BE CREDIBLE TO ITSELF
Finally, Kallas pointed to the frustration simmering in the region due to the sluggish pace of enlargement. “If countries in the region implement reforms but see no progress because of EU inertia, then the responsibility is on us,” she said, adding that enlargement must not remain mere political rhetoric.
She cited Estonia as an example – a country which, before joining the EU, had a GDP per capita of only 36% of the European average, and which today has reached nearly 90%. “The European Union is a convergence engine; it brings prosperity,” concluded Kallas.
TIME FOR SERIOUS DECISIONS
Kaja Kallas’s visit to the Western Balkans showed that Europe is once again turning its attention to the region – but also that it expects decisive, unambiguous actions. At a time of growing global tensions, the choice between a European future and isolation could not be clearer. However, in order for that path to remain open, as Kallas said, results are needed – and they are needed now, not later.