Ivica Dacic’s call that one day the Serbian flag will fly over Prizren has once again brought to the stage Belgrade’s nationalist rhetoric and territorial ambitions toward Kosovo. Former German Minister for Europe Michael Roth also reacted to this statement, calling such a policy dangerous and proposing the suspension of European Union funds for Serbia.
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Professor Nijazi Halili, speaking to the newspaper “Bota sot”, emphasizes that such words are not accidental, but constitute nationalist messages that call Kosovo’s sovereignty into question. According to him, Brussels should react more harshly and not leave threats without tangible consequences.
“Ivica Dacic’s statement that the Serbian flag will one day fly over Prizren is evidence of a political discourse that continues to challenge Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These are not innocent statements, but nationalist messages that fuel territorial claims and endanger stability in the region,” says Halili.
As for Roth’s warning that such a policy could end in war, the professor considers that this assessment deserves seriousness, though this does not mean that a new conflict is inevitable.
The real shortcomings, according to him, lie in the continued tolerance of threatening words and in the absence of concrete punishment for statements that cast doubt on Kosovo’s borders and sovereignty.
“Michael Roth’s warning that such a policy could lead to war must be taken seriously. This does not mean that war is inevitable, but that threatening rhetoric, when tolerated and not accompanied by consequences, can create ground for destabilizing actions. Peace cannot be guaranteed by turning a blind eye to statements that call into question the borders and sovereignty of a state,” he emphasizes.
Halili then shifts the focus to the European Union’s responsibility, calling on Brussels not to limit itself to expressing concern, but to take concrete steps to make it clear to Serbia that it is accountable for its words.
One of the measures that, according to the professor, should be considered is linking European funds and integration benefits to Belgrade’s behavior.
“The European Union’s responsibility is to move from statements of concern to a concrete policy of conditionality and accountability. If Serbia continues with such rhetoric, the EU should consider concrete measures, including conditioning European funds and integration process benefits. Kosovo cannot be expected to constantly demonstrate commitment to dialogue, while destabilizing statements from Belgrade pass without comparable consequences,” Halili assesses.
The professor insists that the EU’s approach must be equal for all parties and that Serbia should not continue to enjoy the benefits of integration if it does not show genuine commitment to good neighborliness and the normalization of relations with Kosovo.
In this sense, he underlines that respect for Kosovo’s sovereignty must constitute a basic condition in Serbia’s relations with the European Union.
“Serbia must understand that the path to the European Union passes through respecting its neighbors, renouncing territorial claims, and sincerely engaging in the normalization of relations with Kosovo,” he asserts.
Halili’s assessment concludes with the fact that Kosovo is a sovereign and independent state, while ensuring peace and stability requires an unwavering stance from the international community toward any word or action that violates these principles.
In order not to leave such claims as mere diplomatic matters, according to him, the EU must demonstrate patience and commitment to protecting Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Kosovo is not an object of anyone’s territorial ambitions, but a sovereign and independent state. Peace in the region requires mutual respect, while long-term stability requires that the European Union be determined and consistent in protecting these principles,” concludes professor Nijazi Halili for “Bota sot”.
