The Western Balkans, Kosovo and the attitude of Athens
The “fire” that started to “light up” between Kosovo and Serbia on Sunday was extinguished in a few hours. With the intervention of the US and the help of the EU. And it brought relief to the international community that the last thing it thinks is needed is another “hotbed of tension” while the war in Ukraine continues.
He reminded, however, how flammable the situation in the Balkans remains. And the regime in which citizens are obliged to live.
Read also: Balkans: Why is the tension in Kosovo rekindling?
Fragile balances
And the balance is becoming even more fragile at the current juncture, during which the Russian war in Ukraine continues.
As analysts on the differences between Serbia and Kosovo underline, both the Belgrade side and Aleksandr Bucic, as well as the Pristina side and Albin Kurti, are not “willing” to take initiatives for a solution and bear the costs.
Stability at any cost
However, the international powers that exist in the World and the USA have shown that they are willing to suppress any focus immediately in order to maintain the stability of any sacrifice.
Even so, all sides were holding their breath on Sunday, hoping that there would be no injuries or even worse dead people who could face the situation out of bounds.
The excuse
The reason for the incidents was Kosovo’s decision to implement its decision to replace all car number plates and also implement identity documents. Which was finally postponed to September. Corresponding episodes had also taken place in September 2021 in the then attempt by the authorities
The influences
However, the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo is not limited to the interests of Belgrade and Pristina. As Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated in an interview with “NEA” in June, “Serbia, for the last decade, wanted money from the EU, Russian weapons, Chinese investments and American tolerance, but it will no longer be possible.”
For Pristina, after all, Belgrade’s relations with Beijing and Moscow and the influence it receives mainly from China due to the economy is also an issue that can cause a fuse of developments aimed at destabilizing the region.
The role of Turkey
Turkey plays a special role in the Balkans, maintaining excellent relations both with Kosovo – which it has recognized – and with Serbia. Another example of the achievements of Turkish diplomacy that manages to be with both the constable and the gendarme and finally come out victorious.
Ankara applies the doctrine of “soft power” in the Balkans and attempts to increase its influence through the undertaking of infrastructure projects, penetration into the economy, strengthened political and educational relations but also through the instrumentalization of religion in the direction of the new Ottomanism. In the case of Serbia, respectively, the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has developed a special relationship with Aleksandar Bucic based on the economy.
The role of Greece
Athens claims a leading role in the Balkans and has already upgraded its relations with Kosovo. In the background, the debate on the recognition of Kosovo by Greece has already opened with the urging of the USA. Although officially the government insists on the “constructive attitude and supports the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina”. With Athens insisting that it is ready to provide any assistance required in the direction of resolving the differences.
The upgrade of the Office of Commercial and Economic Affairs of Kosovo in Athens to an Office of Kosovo Interests is also part of a process that has started and in the background shows – perhaps – recognition of Kosovo by Greece, while according to some information and an indirect message in Belgrade, which is on a trajectory of ever tighter embrace with Ankara.
Greece is hesitant
Although Athens wants to pressure Belgrade to distance itself from Ankara, it does not seem that it will proceed with the recognition of Pristina.
This could be done perhaps the lure from the US side was important and related to Turkey, some sources say, without however being confirmed by diplomats.
Dialogue and not bigotry
Wanting to show the fragile situation in the region and the destabilizing role played by Turkey and beyond, Dendias has repeatedly noted that channels of communication and cooperation should be built in the Balkans and not foster intolerance and religious fanaticism, stressing that Europe . must stop the “Balkanization” of the Balkans.
The Cypriot
Among Athens’ main obstacles to the recognition of Kosovo is the issue of Cyprus, even if the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which issued its opinion in 2010, clearly distinguishes between the two cases.
Nicosia also appears to be absolutely negative in such a development, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković visiting the Republic of Cyprus on Monday for a meeting with Ioanni Kasoulidis, who reiterated Cyprus’s position on the issue of non-recognition of Kosovo.
One spark is enough
Kasoulidis said that the political environment in the region had become very fragile in recent years and “a spark was more than enough to set the region alight”, as the incidents in Mitrovica proved.
He noted that the only sustainable way to ensure long-term stability and prosperity in the region is European integration.
On hold
Kosovo remains a state in “waiting” (on hold) which shows that the “backlog” of the dissolution of Yugoslavia has not been closed. And as long as he remains in this transitional state he will be an easy target.
The tension can be extinguished only with the solution that will ensure stability. In any other case, the entire region remains hostage to the respective interests with every spark threatening to cause an explosion.
And Kosovo is certainly not the only focus in the Balkans, as the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is also causing concern.