A Fine Balance: The EU and the Process of Normalizing Kosovo-Serbia Relations

CIGI Paper No. 23

January 27, 2014

The recent agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is a significant accomplishment for the European Union. Still, the agreement marks the beginning, rather than the end, of a long-term process of normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo. The maintenance of the EU’s “constructive ambiguity” approach to the question of Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo as an independent state is important for continued normalizing relations between the countries. The EU’s continuous and active involvement and interest in the region is of paramount importance for the full implementation of the agreement.

About the Authors

Dejan Guzina is an associate professor in Wilfrid Laurier University’s Department of Political Science. An expert in comparative democratization and ethnic politics, he is currently leading a collaborative research project on the European Union and state building in fragile states.

Branka Marijan is a CIGI senior fellow and a senior researcher at Project Ploughshares.