Op-Ed: Kosovo–Serbia Dialogue: A Win-Win or a Lose-Lose?

The European Union-facilitated Kosovo–Serbia normalization dialogue appears to have a sporting chance again after a prolonged period of stagnation and turmoil. The process matters greatly for both countries because it has the potential not only to produce practical solutions and long-term stability between them, but also to positively shape their relations with the European Union.

One of the dialogue’s main advantages is that it can easily become a win-win situation. If it moves forward, both countries stand to gain on multiple fronts and their citizens could see tangible improvements – without either side abandoning its strategic priorities. Even if only one side fully commits, it can still benefit through improved relations with the EU and progress toward major foreign policy goals. But the opposite is equally true. If both sides remain uncommitted, the situation quickly becomes a lose-lose scenario, again across multiple areas.

This article explores these two possibilities: what a positive scenario might bring over the next three to four years, and what a negative one might look like in the same period.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), or the Robert Bosch Stiftung.