Stefan Fule says Kosovo dialogue is crucial for Serbia

If they are to make real progress towards EU integration, both Serbia and Kosovo will need to improve their relations, EU Commissioner Stefan Fule said.

The EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Stefan Fule, said Serbia will need to honour all agreed deals with Kosovo if it wants to make progress on its EU accession bid.

Fule said that Europe expects Serbia “to comply with the requirements of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and respect all its international agreements”.

He said the EU also requires “clarification of the status, functions and financing of the structures in the north Kosovo,” – a clear reference to Serb-run local authorities in northern Kosovo that are paid from the Belgrade budget.

“At the same time, the EU is requesting Pristina to reach out to the people in north Kosovo and to initiate an inclusive and long term strategy for North,” he added.

When it comes to the current dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Fule says that both sides need to show more willingness to budge.