In a recent statement that reignited the debate over Serbia’s European Union accession prospects, Tonino Picula, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Serbia, made it clear that Serbia’s path toward EU membership remains blocked until it recognizes Kosovo as an independent state and abandons the so-called “Serbian world” concept.
Picula, who spoke in an interview with the Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List, emphasized that full normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any serious progress toward European integration. His remarks come amid a stagnant dialogue process and growing regional tensions that threaten to undermine the EU’s enlargement policy in the Western Balkans.
“The integration of both countries into the wider European family is closely linked to the dialogue, which must end with a legally binding and comprehensive agreement on the normalization of relations between the two states,” Picula said.
Stalled Dialogue and Escalating Crises
The EU-sponsored dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was renewed in 2023, but according to Picula, little to no progress has been achieved since then. Instead of constructive engagement, the region has witnessed a series of escalating crises, culminating in one of the most serious incidents in recent years — the armed attack by Serbian paramilitary forces in northern Kosovo.
“Instead of seizing the momentum, we saw a series of real crises, the most serious being the attack by Serbian paramilitary forces in northern Kosovo,” Picula explained, referring to the Banjska incident in September 2023, when a group of armed militants led by Milan Radoičić, a known figure with political ties in Belgrade, carried out a deadly assault in the village of Banjska.
The Banjska Attack: A Turning Point
Picula described the Banjska attack as a serious threat to stability in the region, stressing that Serbia’s handling of the perpetrators has become a litmus test for its commitment to European values and the rule of law.
“We have requested that Belgrade’s attitude toward those responsible for the Banjska attack be one of the criteria for assessing Serbia’s progress and its ability to move along the European path,” Picula said.
He also revealed that the EU Office in Kosovo has recently reiterated to Serbian authorities that it expects the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the Banjska attack who remain in Serbia.
However, Picula lamented that Belgrade continues to ignore these requests, signaling what he views as a deliberate obstruction of justice.
“Unfortunately, Belgrade continues to ignore the demands for addressing this issue. I believe this represents an obstruction of the judicial process that is expected to take place, and it is highly likely that this is happening under the instruction of the state leadership,” he added.
EU Concerns About Serbia’s Democratic Regression
According to Picula, the situation reflects broader concerns within EU institutions about Serbia’s lack of progress in the areas of rule of law, democracy, and regional cooperation. The European Union has repeatedly warned that Serbia’s alignment with EU foreign policy, particularly regarding its relationship with Russia, as well as its rhetoric toward neighboring countries, are crucial benchmarks that will determine its accession prospects.
The “Serbian world” ideology, which aims to unify all Serbs across the Balkans under one political and cultural sphere, has been viewed in Brussels as incompatible with the EU’s core values of sovereignty, democracy, and mutual recognition among member states.
“Without giving up the idea of the so-called Serbian world and without recognizing Kosovo’s independence, Serbia cannot expect to make real progress toward EU membership,” Picula reaffirmed.
A Clear Message from Brussels
Picula’s comments come at a time when the European Union is under increasing pressure to revitalize its enlargement strategy, particularly in the Western Balkans, where Russia’s and China’s influence has been steadily growing. His remarks serve as a clear message from Brussels that political will and genuine commitment to reconciliation are indispensable for Serbia’s European future.
The EU has made it clear that dialogue normalization and accountability for violence are not just formal conditions but fundamental indicators of readiness to join the European community. Without substantial steps toward mutual recognition and adherence to democratic principles, Serbia risks isolating itself and undermining the stability of the entire region.
As Picula concluded in his interview, the road to Europe runs through Pristina — not Moscow or nationalist ideologies. Until Belgrade fully embraces this reality, its European ambitions will remain on hold.