Serbia and Kosovo are currently engaged in high-stakes EU-mediated talks to resolve their long-standing dispute over the status of Kosovo. The talks are expected to be a major test of the European Union’s ability to mediate in difficult regional conflicts. The EU has been mediating between Serbia and Kosovo since 2013, and the current talks began in August 2020 with the goal of finding a comprehensive, legally binding agreement that would lead to normalization of relations between the two countries. The issues at stake include the recognition of Kosovo by Serbia, the integration of Serb-majority areas of Kosovo into the Kosovo state, and the protection of minority rights. The talks are being closely watched by the international community and will be a key factor in determining the future of the Balkans region.
