Serbian Foreign Minister Opposes Kosovo's Council of Europe Bid Amid Tensions

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić has voiced strong opposition to Kosovo's bid to join the Council of Europe, citing violations of international law and concerns for the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija. His stance reflects the broader discontent within Serbia regarding Kosovo's potential membership in the prestigious human rights organization.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has echoed Đurić's sentiments, warning that Serbia's reaction to Kosovo's admission would be 'strong and responsible.' Vucic has even suggested that Serbia might exit the Council of Europe, an institution it has been a part of for over two decades, if Kosovo is granted membership.

The Council of Europe, established in 1949, focuses on the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It currently comprises 46 member countries, including the 27 states of the European Union. Members are signatories to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, which emphasizes the organization's commitment to these principles.

Why this matters: The potential admission of Kosovo into the Council of Europe could have significant implications for the region's stability and the broader European integration process. If Kosovo is granted membership, it could escalate tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, potentially destabilizing the region and affecting the European Union's expansion plans.

Former Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, now the speaker of the parliament, has also supported Vucic's stance, stating that Kosovo's admission would 'violate the statute of that institution and jeopardize its role in the protection of human rights and the rule of law.' This sentiment highlights the deep-rooted concerns within the Serbian leadership regarding the potential implications of Kosovo's membership.

The Brussels Agreement, signed in 2013, was intended to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo. However, tensions remain high, with Serbia refusing to recognize Kosovo's independence declared in 2008. The ongoing disputes over the implementation of agreements, including the formation of an Association of Serb Majority Municipalities in Kosovo, continue to strain relations.

Recent talks between Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Brussels ended without progress, with both sides blaming each other for the stalemate. Kurti accused Vucic of refusing to sign the Basic Agreement for normalization, while Vucic claimed the other side was 'playing games' to shift the blame. This deadlock highlights the complexity and sensitivity of the issues at hand.

The situation has been further complicated by Serbia's plans to request the deployment of its military and police forces into Kosovo, citing the inability of the international peacekeeping force to maintain calm in ethnic Serb regions. This move, based on the 1999 UN Security Council Resolution 1244, is likely to escalate tensions further.

The debate over Kosovo's bid to join the Council of Europe continuing, the international community will be closely watching the developments. The potential admission of Kosovo into the Council of Europe could have significant implications for the region's stability and the broader European integration process.

Key Takeaways

• Serbia opposes Kosovo's bid to join the Council of Europe, citing international law violations.
• Serbian President Vucic threatens to exit the Council if Kosovo is admitted.
• Kosovo's membership could escalate tensions, destabilize the region, and affect EU expansion.
• Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo's independence, causing ongoing disputes.
• The situation is further complicated by Serbia's plans to deploy military and police forces into Kosovo.