The European Union's Foreign Policy and External Actions in Kosova
Session
Political Sciences
Description
This paper examines the European Union's (EU) foreign policy and external actions concerning Kosova, focusing on the EU's evolving role as both a mediator and state-building partner in the Western Balkans. Central to this analysis is the EU’s involvement in facilitating dialogue between Kosova and Serbia, its ongoing support for Kosova’s institutional development, and the broader challenges the EU faces in fostering regional stability and integration. A key element of the EU’s engagement has been its leadership in the BelgradePrishtina Dialogue, a process initiated in 2011 to normalize relations between Kosova and Serbia. The EU has acted as a facilitator, aiming to bridge political divides and promote reconciliation, most recently with the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement in 2023, which marked a significant step forward in the normalization process. In addition to diplomatic efforts, the EU has contributed substantially to state-building in Kosova through missions such as the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosova (EULEX). EULEX, launched in 2008, represents the EU’s largest civilian mission, tasked with strengthening the rule of law, judiciary, and police institutions in Kosova. Despite these efforts, the EU faces ongoing challenges, including member state divisions over Kosova’s recognition, regional political instability, and skepticism about EU enlargement. Nonetheless, Kosova remains a crucial element of the EU's strategic interests in the Western Balkans, as peace and integration in the region are essential for European security and cohesion. The paper critically assesses these initiatives and their long-term implications for both Kosova and the EU.
Keywords:
European Union, Kosova, Belgrade -Prishtina Dialogue, EULEX, Western Balkans
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.338
Recommended Citation
Mirtezani, Llokman and Halili, Muazam, "The European Union's Foreign Policy and External Actions in Kosova" (2025). UBT International Conference. 8.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/PS/8
The European Union's Foreign Policy and External Actions in Kosova
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
This paper examines the European Union's (EU) foreign policy and external actions concerning Kosova, focusing on the EU's evolving role as both a mediator and state-building partner in the Western Balkans. Central to this analysis is the EU’s involvement in facilitating dialogue between Kosova and Serbia, its ongoing support for Kosova’s institutional development, and the broader challenges the EU faces in fostering regional stability and integration. A key element of the EU’s engagement has been its leadership in the BelgradePrishtina Dialogue, a process initiated in 2011 to normalize relations between Kosova and Serbia. The EU has acted as a facilitator, aiming to bridge political divides and promote reconciliation, most recently with the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement in 2023, which marked a significant step forward in the normalization process. In addition to diplomatic efforts, the EU has contributed substantially to state-building in Kosova through missions such as the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosova (EULEX). EULEX, launched in 2008, represents the EU’s largest civilian mission, tasked with strengthening the rule of law, judiciary, and police institutions in Kosova. Despite these efforts, the EU faces ongoing challenges, including member state divisions over Kosova’s recognition, regional political instability, and skepticism about EU enlargement. Nonetheless, Kosova remains a crucial element of the EU's strategic interests in the Western Balkans, as peace and integration in the region are essential for European security and cohesion. The paper critically assesses these initiatives and their long-term implications for both Kosova and the EU.