The European Union’s Special Envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Peter Sorensen, met with Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani in Prishtina on Wednesday to discuss the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement and address current political developments.

Speaking to media after his meeting with Kurti, Sorensen described the talks as part of his regular engagements in the region and acknowledged the complexities of the local political context. 

“Of course, the political situation here means that things might take more time. I understand that, and I’m glad to be here,” he stated.

Asked about the status of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Sorensen said briefly that the process is “alive and kicking.”

During remarks to journalists at a separate event in Prishtina, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that his discussion with Sorensen focused on the situation of Kosovo’s communities, particularly the Serbian community.

“We must never forget the rights this community enjoys according to the Constitution of Kosovo—besides the reserved seats in the Assembly— the Serbian language is [the] official [language] not only in majority-Serb municipalities but everywhere,” he emphasised.

He also asked for “greater recognition for the state of Kosovo.”

“Everything we do is aimed at the integration of Serbs and is not a violation of the Ohrid Agreement, on the contrary, it is in line with it. But the opposite applies to Serbia, which does not respect the agreement and constantly violates it,” Kurti added.

The Ohrid Agreement, brokered by the EU on March 18, 2023, followed a deal made in Brussels on February 27 of the same year. It outlines seven key steps aimed at normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia, with both sides committing to establishing “normal, good-neighbourly relations on the basis of equal rights.”

During her meeting with Sorensen, President Osmani emphasized the importance of a fair and impartial negotiation process in Brussels, underscoring the need for clear objectives.

“A fair and unbiased process with well-defined goals will also contribute to advancing peace, stability, and the European perspective of the entire region,” Osmani said in a statement released by her office. She also thanked Sorensen for his continued commitment to a principled dialogue based on equal treatment of both parties.

President Osmani also raised concerns over recent arrests of Kosovo citizens in Serbia, urging the international community to act and press Serbia to cease what she described as “unlawful actions” against Kosovo nationals.

The EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia began in 2011 and has produced several agreements over the years, many of which remain only partially implemented.