Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: EU Proposal - Agreement on the path to normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia
Country/entity
Kosovo
SerbiaRegion
Europe and Eurasia
Europe and EurasiaAgreement name
Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: EU Proposal - Agreement on the path to normalisation between Kosovo and SerbiaDate
27 Feb 2023Agreement status
Status unclearInterim arrangement
YesAgreement/conflict level
Interstate/intrastate conflict(s) ()Stage
Implementation/renegotiationConflict nature
Government/territoryPeace process
Kosovo-Serbia Normalisation ProcessParties
Kosovar prime minister Albin Kurti, Serbian president Aleksandar VučićThird parties
Josep Borrell - European UnionDescription
Serbia and Kosovo tacitly approved an EU proposal to normalise relations, led by EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell during talks in Brussels. The EU-brokered plan, supported by all 27 member states, outlines 11 points including each party's commitment to non-violence, mutual recognition of official documents, and non-obstruction of each other's progress towards EU membership. The finalisation and implementation of the plan will be discussed in further leaders' talks, focusing on the specifics of an annexe and potential resolutions to contentious issues, aiming ultimately for a legally binding agreement on comprehensive normalisation of relations. Status of agreement is listed as 'unclear' due to post-hoc dispute as to whether this was actually agreed and accepted by all parties.
Groups
- Children/youth
No specific mention.
- Disabled persons
No specific mention.
- Elderly/age
No specific mention.
- Migrant workers
No specific mention.
- Racial/ethnic/national groupGroups→Racial/ethnic/national group→RhetoricalAware that the inviolability of frontiers and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and the protection of national minorities are a basic condition for peace, (
Locate in agreement)
Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→SubstantiveARTICLE 7Both Parties commit to establish specific arrangements and guarantees, in accordance with relevant Council of Europe instruments and by drawing on existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo and ability for service provision in specific areas, including the possibility for financial support by Serbia and a direct communication channel for the Serbian community to the Government of Kosovo. (Locate in agreement)
- Religious groupsGroups→Religious groups→SubstantiveARTICLE 7...The Parties shall formalise the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and afford strong level of protection to the Serbian religious and cultural heritage sites, in line with existing European models. (
Locate in agreement)
- Indigenous people
No specific mention.
- Other groups
No specific mention.
- Refugees/displaced personsGroups→Refugees/displaced persons→RhetoricalARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (
Locate in agreement)
- Social class
No specific mention.
Gender
- Women, girls and gender
No specific mention.
- Men and boys
No specific mention.
- LGBTI
No specific mention.
- Family
No specific mention.
State definition
- Nature of state (general)Aware that the inviolability of frontiers and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and the protection of national minorities are a basic condition for peace, (
Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 2Both Parties will be guided by the aims and principles laid down in the United Nations Charter, especially those of the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their independence, autonomy and territorial integrity, the right of self-determination, the protection of human rights, and non-discrimination. (Locate in agreement)
- State configuration
No specific mention.
- Self determinationARTICLE 2Both Parties will be guided by the aims and principles laid down in the United Nations Charter, especially those of the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their independence, autonomy and territorial integrity, the right of self-determination, the protection of human rights, and non-discrimination. (
Locate in agreement)
- Referendum
No specific mention.
- State symbolsARTICLE 1...Both Parties shall mutually recognise their respective documents and national symbols, including passports, diplomas, licence plates, and customs stamps. (
Locate in agreement)
- Independence/secessionARTICLE 2Both Parties will be guided by the aims and principles laid down in the United Nations Charter, especially those of the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their independence, autonomy and territorial integrity, the right of self-determination, the protection of human rights, and non-discrimination. (
Locate in agreement)
- Accession/unification
No specific mention.
- Border delimitation
No specific mention.
- Cross-border provisionARTICLE 1The Parties shall develop normal, good-neighbourly relations with each other on the basis of equal rights. (
Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 7Both Parties commit to establish specific arrangements and guarantees, in accordance with relevant Council of Europe instruments and by drawing on existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo and ability for service provision in specific areas, including the possibility for financial support by Serbia and a direct communication channel for the Serbian community to the Government of Kosovo. (Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 8The Parties shall exchange Permanent Missions. (Locate in agreement)
They shall be established at the respective Government's seat. (Locate in agreement)
Practical questions relating to the establishment of the Missions shall be dealt with separately. (Locate in agreement)
Governance
- Political institutions (new or reformed)
No specific mention.
- Elections
No specific mention.
- Electoral commission
No specific mention.
- Political parties reform
No specific mention.
- Civil society
No specific mention.
- Traditional/religious leaders
No specific mention.
- Public administration
No specific mention.
- Constitution
No specific mention.
Power sharing
- Political power sharing
No specific mention.
- Territorial power sharingPower sharing→Territorial power sharing→Local/municipal governmentARTICLE 7Both Parties commit to establish specific arrangements and guarantees, in accordance with relevant Council of Europe instruments and by drawing on existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo and ability for service provision in specific areas, including the possibility for financial support by Serbia and a direct communication channel for the Serbian community to the Government of Kosovo. (
Locate in agreement)
- Economic power sharing
No specific mention.
- Military power sharing
No specific mention.
Human rights and equality
- Human rights/RoL general
No specific mention.
- Bill of rights/similar
No specific mention.
- Treaty incorporationARTICLE 2Both Parties will be guided by the aims and principles laid down in the United Nations Charter, especially those of the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their independence, autonomy and territorial integrity, the right of self-determination, the protection of human rights, and non-discrimination. (
Locate in agreement)
- Civil and political rights
No specific mention.
- Socio-economic rights
No specific mention.
Rights related issues
- Citizenship
No specific mention.
- Democracy
No specific mention.
- Detention procedures
No specific mention.
- Media and communicationRights related issues→Media and communication→Media logisticsARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (
Locate in agreement)
- Mobility/access
No specific mention.
- Protection measures
No specific mention.
- Other
No specific mention.
Rights institutions
- NHRI
No specific mention.
- Regional or international human rights institutions
No specific mention.
Justice sector reform
- Criminal justice and emergency law
No specific mention.
- State of emergency provisions
No specific mention.
- Judiciary and courtsARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (
Locate in agreement)
- Prisons and detention
No specific mention.
- Traditional Laws
No specific mention.
Socio-economic reconstruction
- Development or socio-economic reconstructionSocio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic developmentARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (
Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 7Both Parties commit to establish specific arrangements and guarantees, in accordance with relevant Council of Europe instruments and by drawing on existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo and ability for service provision in specific areas, including the possibility for financial support by Serbia and a direct communication channel for the Serbian community to the Government of Kosovo. (Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 9Both Parties take note of the EU’s and other donors’ commitment to establish a special investment and financial support package for joint projects of the Parties in economic development, connectivity, green transition and other key areas. (Locate in agreement)
Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Infrastructure and reconstructionARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (Locate in agreement)
- National economic plan
No specific mention.
- Natural resources
No specific mention.
- International fundsARTICLE 7Both Parties commit to establish specific arrangements and guarantees, in accordance with relevant Council of Europe instruments and by drawing on existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo and ability for service provision in specific areas, including the possibility for financial support by Serbia and a direct communication channel for the Serbian community to the Government of Kosovo. (
Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 9Both Parties take note of the EU’s and other donors’ commitment to establish a special investment and financial support package for joint projects of the Parties in economic development, connectivity, green transition and other key areas. (Locate in agreement)
- Business
No specific mention.
- Taxation
No specific mention.
- Banks
No specific mention.
Land, property and environment
- Land reform/rights
No specific mention.
- Pastoralist/nomadism rights
No specific mention.
- Cultural heritageLand, property and environment→Cultural heritage→OtherARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (
Locate in agreement)
- EnvironmentARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (
Locate in agreement)
...ARTICLE 9Both Parties take note of the EU’s and other donors’ commitment to establish a special investment and financial support package for joint projects of the Parties in economic development, connectivity, green transition and other key areas. (Locate in agreement)
- Water or riparian rights or access
No specific mention.
Security sector
- Security Guarantees
No specific mention.
- CeasefireSecurity sector→Ceasefire→General commitmentsARTICLE 3In conformity with the United Nations Charter, the Parties shall settle any disputes between them exclusively by peaceful means and refrain from the threat or use of force. (
Locate in agreement)
- Police
No specific mention.
- Armed forces
No specific mention.
- DDR
No specific mention.
- Intelligence services
No specific mention.
- Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces
No specific mention.
- Withdrawal of foreign forces
No specific mention.
- Corruption
No specific mention.
- Crime/organised crime
No specific mention.
- Drugs
No specific mention.
- Terrorism
No specific mention.
Transitional justice
- Transitional justice general
No specific mention.
- Amnesty/pardon
No specific mention.
- Courts
No specific mention.
- Mechanism
No specific mention.
- Prisoner release
No specific mention.
- Vetting
No specific mention.
- Victims
No specific mention.
- Missing personsARTICLE 6...The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements. (
Locate in agreement)
- Reparations
No specific mention.
- Reconciliation
No specific mention.
Implementation
- UN signatory
No specific mention.
- Other international signatory
No specific mention.
- Referendum for agreement
No specific mention.
- International mission/force/similar
No specific mention.
- Enforcement mechanismARTICLE 10The Parties shall establish a joint Committee, chaired by the EU, for monitoring the implementation of this Agreement. (
Locate in agreement)
Both Parties confirm their obligation to implement all past Dialogue agreements, which remain valid and binding. (Locate in agreement)
ARTICLE 11Both Parties commit to respect the Implementation Roadmap annexed to this Agreement. (Locate in agreement)
- Related cases
No specific mention.
- Source
No specific mention.
Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue:
EU Proposal - Agreement on the path to normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia
The Contracting Parties,
Conscious of their responsibility for the preservation of peace,
Committed to contribute to fruitful regional co-operation and security in Europe and to overcome the legacy of the past,
Aware that the inviolability of frontiers and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and the protection of national minorities are a basic condition for peace,
Proceeding from the historical facts and without prejudice to the different view of the Parties on fundamental questions, including on status questions,
Desirous to create the conditions for cooperation between the Parties for the benefit of the people,
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
The Parties shall develop normal, good-neighbourly relations with each other on the basis of equal rights.
Both Parties shall mutually recognise their respective documents and national symbols, including passports, diplomas, licence plates, and customs stamps.
Article 2
Both Parties will be guided by the aims and principles laid down in the United Nations Charter, especially those of the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their independence, autonomy and territorial integrity, the right of self-determination, the protection of human rights, and non-discrimination.
Article 3
In conformity with the United Nations Charter, the Parties shall settle any disputes between them exclusively by peaceful means and refrain from the threat or use of force.
Article 4
The Parties proceed on the assumption that neither of the two can represent the other in the international sphere or act on its behalf.
Serbia will not object to Kosovo’s membership in any international organisation.
Article 5
Neither Party will block, nor encourage others to block, the other Party’s progress in their respective EU path based on their own merits.
Both Parties shall respect the values referred to in Articles 2 and 21 of the Treaty of the European Union.
Article 6
While the present Agreement constitutes an important step of normalization, both Parties will continue with new impetus the EU-led Dialogue process which should lead to a legally binding agreement on comprehensive normalization of their relations.
The Parties agree to deepen future cooperation in the fields of economy, science and technology, transport and connectivity, judicial and law enforcement relations, posts and telecommunications, health, culture, religion, sport, environmental protection, missing persons, displaced persons and other similar areas through the conclusion of specific agreements.
The details will be agreed in additional agreements facilitated by the EU-led Dialogue.
Article 7
Both Parties commit to establish specific arrangements and guarantees, in accordance with relevant Council of Europe instruments and by drawing on existing European experiences, to ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo and ability for service provision in specific areas, including the possibility for financial support by Serbia and a direct communication channel for the Serbian community to the Government of Kosovo.
The Parties shall formalise the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and afford strong level of protection to the Serbian religious and cultural heritage sites, in line with existing European models.
Article 8
The Parties shall exchange Permanent Missions.
They shall be established at the respective Government's seat.
Practical questions relating to the establishment of the Missions shall be dealt with separately.
Article 9
Both Parties take note of the EU’s and other donors’ commitment to establish a special investment and financial support package for joint projects of the Parties in economic development, connectivity, green transition and other key areas.
Article 10
The Parties shall establish a joint Committee, chaired by the EU, for monitoring the implementation of this Agreement.
Both Parties confirm their obligation to implement all past Dialogue agreements, which remain valid and binding.
Article 11
Both Parties commit to respect the Implementation Roadmap annexed to this Agreement.