29/09/2024
Prishtina, September 25-26, 2024 – The 3rd edition of the Kosovo Peace and Democracy Summit (KPDS) concluded with a powerful call for greater regional solidarity and active civil society engagement to advance Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans. This year’s summit, themed "Radical Realities: Ethno-Political Dynamics and Euro-Atlantic Integration in the Western Balkans," brought together over 160 civil society leaders, policymakers, and experts from the region and the European Union.
Organized by the New Social Initiative (NSI), Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), and Sbunker, the summit addressed the growing divergence between increasing ethno-political radicalization and the region's aspirations for peace and European integration. Participants agreed that only through regional solidarity, dialogue, and deeper cooperation could the Western Balkans navigate the complex challenges and strengthen support from the Euro-Atlantic community.
Keynote addresses were delivered by US Ambassador Jeffrey M. Hovenier, German Ambassador Jörn Rohde, and EU Ambassador to Kosovo Aivo Orav, who underscored the importance of dialogue and civil society’s role in advancing the region’s Euro-Atlantic goals.
During the opening of the 3rd edition of the Kosovo Peace and Democracy Summit (KPDS), Jovana Radosavljević, Executive Director of the New Social Initiative (NSI), set the tone by highlighting the importance of resilience amidst mounting political challenges in the Western Balkans. “Despite rising political challenges, we continue to resist, grow, and prevail. Thanks to our partners, donors, and all of you, we keep dialogue channels open. Together, we fight for peace and democracy, putting citizens' dignity first even amid discreditation, intimidation, and sabotage," she said. Her remarks underscored the importance of civil society’s role in sustaining democratic values during difficult times.
Mentor Vrajolli, Executive Director of the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), reaffirmed the summit’s role in promoting normalization efforts between Kosovo and Serbia. “KPDS is a platform that promotes Track II diplomacy. We support normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia and fully back the implementation of the Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations, known as the Ohrid Agreement,” Vrajolli stated.
Bardhi Bakija, Executive Director of Sbunker, emphasized the urgency of confronting the rising tide of nationalism in the region. “One of the most urgent challenges we face is the rise of ethno-nationalism and populism, especially among younger generations. These ideologies erode trust, sow division, and pull us further apart. The good news is that we are not powerless. KPDS2024 is an opportunity to have real conversations about what we can do right now,” Bakija added, calling for immediate action to counteract these divisive forces.
Normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is key to the future of the Western Balkans and a a moral imperative for Europe
Ambassador Hovenier emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, calling on both sides to fulfill their obligations and engage in constructive dialogue, noting that: “Our vision is a prosperous,
multiethnic, and sovereign Kosovo fully integrated into NATO and the EU. But to achieve this, Kosovo and Serbia must adhere to the agreements they’ve made, and engage with seriousness,”
German Ambassador Rohde echoed these sentiments, stating that dialogue is the only path to lasting peace in the region. He highlighted the necessity of forming the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities (ASM) to integrate Kosovo’s Serbian minority. “Peace cannot be built on rhetoric and stagnation, but on action,” said Rohde.
Marko Prelec, Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group (ICG), emphasized the need for a return to core principles in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: "Maybe we don’t need a reset, but we need to go back to putting dialogue in the context of fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria for both Serbia and Kosovo. The heart of the dialogue—self-government for Serbs in Kosovo and recognition from Serbia—has been removed, and that is why we are at an impasse."
Tefta Kelmendi, Deputy Director for the Wider Europe Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), highlighted Kosovo's isolation from international partners: "The Kosovo government needed to distract the public from what was being discussed in the dialogue, which is why it took actions in the North. This strategy has backfired, leading to a delay in the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement."
In his remarks, EU Ambassador Aivo Orav pointed to the critical role of the European Union in supporting peace and stability in the Western Balkans. “The Western Balkans' future is in the EU, and peace in the region is a prerequisite for that future. The EU is more committed than ever to ensuring that the enlargement process is serious and meaningful,” Orav remarked. He also urged the region to embrace this moment as a geostrategic opportunity.
Stefan Vladisavljev, Program Director at the Foundation BFPE, highlighted Serbia's increasing economic reliance on China and the potential implications for democratic governance: “From 2021, China became the single biggest investor in Serbia. In 2022, China’s investments in Serbia equaled that of the entire EU27. This growing influence makes Serbia more dependent on Chinese investments, raising concerns about the long-term impact on democratic governance and decision-making processes.”
Growing autocratic practices, a major concern for democracy in the Western Balkans
A recurring theme throughout the summit was the need for the Western Balkans to uphold democratic values. Helena Ivanov, Associate Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, stressed the importance of moving beyond outdated narratives that define the region. “We need to break free from the outdated lens of 1999 to make progress. Only through strengthening democratic governance can we build a more secure future,” Ivanov asserted.
Panelists also discussed the challenges posed by external actors like Russia and China, whose influence undermines democratic institutions in the region. Viktoriia Voronina, Executive Director at the Center for Security Studies, highlighted the tactics used by Russia to destabilize the region: “Russia creates hotspots to destabilize regions, using cultural and disinformation campaigns to disrupt democratic processes.”
The speakers at the Kosovo Peace and Democracy Summit (KPDS) highlighted a recurring theme: the urgent need for the Western Balkans to uphold democratic values in order to secure its future within the Euro-Atlantic community. Ana Krstinovska, researcher at ESTIMA, emphasized that external powers, particularly China, are taking advantage of governance gaps in the region. “China is a global economic power, and its strategy in the Western Balkans is to protect its economic interests. It uses hybrid tools to present itself as an alternative to the West, often creating dependencies through infrastructure projects and loans,” she said. Krstinovska's remarks underscore the vulnerabilities that arise when democratic governance and institutional checks are weak, allowing external actors to shape political outcomes.
Andi Dobrushi, Executive Director of the Western Balkans Open Society Foundations, echoed these concerns, pointing out the risks of politicizing regional connectivity initiatives. “The Growth Plan offers political momentum for the region, but we must be cautious about its downsides. Initiatives like the Open Balkan can politicize regional connectivity, so we must ensure that political objectives don't undermine economic cooperation,” he noted. Dobrushi’s comments underline the need for transparent, rule-based cooperation grounded in democratic principles to ensure that regional integration benefits the public, rather than serving narrow political interests.
Valeska Esch, Senior Advisor to the Special Representative for the Western Balkans at the German Federal Foreign Office, further stressed the importance of implementing key democratic reforms to maintain international confidence. “Germany is committed to investing in the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova. However, the region must prove itself as a reliable partner. We must stop stalling and start implementing key agreements like the unified electricity market to move forward,” Esch said, pointing to the critical role of strong institutions in fostering regional and international partnerships.
Anja Quiring, Regional Director for Southeast Europe at the German Eastern Business Association, tied these democratic reforms to economic sustainability, particularly in relation to the region’s brain drain. “Young people are leaving the region due to limited job prospects. To attract foreign investment, we need rule of law, legal certainty, and strong institutions that can provide long-term economic opportunities,” she observed. Quiring’s remarks made clear that without democratic governance and the establishment of reliable institutions, the region will continue to lose its young talent and miss out on vital foreign investment.
Civil society can support the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans and should be treated as a partner by the governments in the region
A key message throughout the summit was that civil society plays an essential role in advancing Euro-Atlantic integration. Civil society organizations (CSOs) were identified as crucial in holding governments accountable, fostering dialogue across ethnic divides, and keeping the region’s Euro-Atlantic future on the international agenda.
In his remarks, Agon Maliqi, an independent policy analyst, underscored the importance of regional cooperation in these efforts: “The more the Western Balkans speaks with one voice in Brussels, Berlin, and Paris, the greater the support will be. Civil society must be the bridge between the region and these key capitals, advocating for the reforms needed for Euro-Atlantic integration.”
US Ambassador Hovenier reiterated the significant role that CSOs can play: “Civil society organizations have been major change-makers worldwide. Here in the Western Balkans, you have the potential to amplify the voices of those who seek a better future, by pushing for reforms and holding your governments to account.”
Ramadan Ilazi, Head of Research at KCSS, further emphasized the need for greater cooperation between civil society and governments to sustain Euro-Atlantic momentum. “Civil society must not only advocate for peace and democracy but also engage directly with political actors to ensure that the region remains focused on its long-term goals of joining the EU and NATO,” Ilazi said.
Katarina Tadić, Programme Manager at the European Fund for the Balkans, discussed the increasing repression of civil society and activists in Serbia: “We are witnessing increasing repression in Serbia, where over 50 activists have been arrested in the past few months. This is not the behavior of a government that is committed to EU values. It is a clear sign that civil society must continue to push back against these undemocratic practices.”
Marko Savković, Senior Advisor at ISAC Fund, commented on the shifting global economic priorities and their potential effects on the region: “US trade relations with China and the EU could shake the global economy, and we must be prepared for the consequences of these shifts. The EU’s optimism around enlargement is fading, and this will have direct consequences for the Western Balkans, which needs to align itself strategically with the changing global landscape.”
Conclusion: A collective call for action
The 3rd edition of the Kosovo Peace and Democracy Summit made it clear that the future of the Western Balkans rests on three pillars: peace, democracy, and civil society. Panelists agreed that without genuine efforts toward dialogue, democratic reform, and regional solidarity, the region risks being left behind in its aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.
KPDS continues to serve as a critical platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between civil society and political actors, offering a beacon of hope for a region navigating complex geopolitical challenges. The summit’s closing message was clear: regional solidarity, empowered civil society, and a commitment to democratic governance and reconciliation are essential for achieving the Western Balkans' shared vision of peace and Euro-Atlantic integration.
3rd edition of KPDS was generously supported by Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF), National Endowment for Democracy (NED), German Federal Foreign Office, SMART Balkans, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS-Kosovo), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (through the Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub project).
