Kosovo–Serbia relations

Kosovo unilaterally self proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008, a move which Serbia strongly rejects. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state and continues to claim it as the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. However, differences and disputes remain, while North Kosovo is partially under Serbian rule. Initially there were no relations between the two; but in the following years there has been increased dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.

Though Kosovo isn’t a member nor observer state of United Nations, nor any other international organizations, it remains a partially recognized country. According to the international law, and Resolution 1244, which ended the Kosovo war it is claimed by Serbia as the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.

Negotiations facilitated by the European Union resulted in the 2013 Brussels Agreement on the normalization of relations between the governments of Kosovo and Serbia. The agreement pledged both sides not to block the other in the EU accession process, defined the structure of the police and local elections in all parts of Kosovo, and also established the proposal of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

The United States-mediated diplomatic talks agreed on the interconnection of air, train and road traffic, while both parties signed the 2020 agreement on the normalisation of economic relations. Kosovo and Serbia are expected to become part of the single market, known as Open Balkan.

Both parties agreed to a proposed normalisation agreement in EU mediated dialogue in February 2023 and through further negotiations accepted a roadmap and timescale for its implementation the following month.