The agreement in principle for Albania and Serbia to open consulates in Bujanoc and Shkodër, respectively, has sparked debate over the diplomatic and political consequences of the move. At the center of the debate are the position of Albanians in the Preševo Valley and the issues that remain unresolved between Kosovo and Serbia.
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Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Gjuriç made the agreement public. He said the matter had been agreed upon during a meeting with his Albanian counterpart, Ferit Hoxha.
For some, Albania’s consular presence in Bujanoc could create a more direct institutional channel with Albanians in the Preševo Valley. Meanwhile, the idea of opening a Serbian consulate in Shkodër has raised questions about the specific need for it and its political purpose.
Speaking to “Bota sot,” commentator Lis Bukuroca described the decision to open an Albanian consulate in Bujanoc as positive, although he stressed that its ability to influence the political and legal status of Albanians in the Preševo Valley would be limited.
According to Bukuroca, any change in the situation of Albanians in this area depends on the policies pursued by the Serbian state and cannot be achieved through a consular mission alone. Nevertheless, he believes the consulate could provide institutional and consular assistance, facilitate communication and provide direct information about the systematic discrimination against Albanians.
“The Albanian consulate in Bujanoc is a positive development, but its concrete effects will be quite limited. The political and legal position of Albanians in the Preševo Valley is determined by the Serbian state’s approach, so this mission cannot change the reality on its own. Nevertheless, it could become an important bridge for communication, directly document systematic discrimination and provide Albanians with institutional and consular support,” Bukuroca said.
His assessment was more critical of the Serbian consulate expected to open in Shkodër. The commentator said there is no Serbian community in the city large enough to justify such a mission, meaning the decision appears more like a political move intended to create balance than a response to a consular need.
“There do not appear to be sufficient grounds for opening a Serbian consulate in Shkodër. The absence of a sizable Serbian community in the city makes it difficult to justify in practical terms. Consequently, this move gives the impression of being a politically balancing gesture rather than a consular necessity,” he said.
Bukuroca clarified that cooperation between states is welcome and should not be rejected, but he called for it to be developed on an equal footing and with due consideration for the region’s political realities.
He recalled that Serbia still does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, continues to use threatening rhetoric and exerts pressure on Albanians in the Preševo Valley. Under these circumstances, he said, it is reasonable to ask whether greater political sensitivity should have been shown and greater reciprocity sought before taking such steps.
Analyzing Prime Minister Edi Rama’s stance toward Serbia, the commentator said it is linked to his policy of maintaining constructive relations and promoting regional cooperation, including in support of European integration. However, Bukuroca warned that this approach must not turn into tolerance of actions that harm Albanian interests.
“Edi Rama’s policy aims to maintain the most constructive relations possible with Serbia and to project a spirit of cooperation in the region, including within the European integration process. This approach was also reflected in his response and those of Albanian institutions to the latest statements by Serbian officials, which were noticeably more restrained than expected,” Bukuroca said.
According to him, the European Union also responded mildly to statements made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vuçiq. He said the lack of a firmer position in the face of destabilizing rhetoric is causing concern in the region.
With regard to Kosovo, Bukuroca called on institutions and political parties to be measured in their responses while also maintaining a clear stance when it comes to defending the country’s interests.
The commentator stressed that regional cooperation is essential, but it must be based on reciprocity, mutual respect, the protection of national interests and the resolution of outstanding issues between Kosovo and Serbia.
“Kosovo, through its institutions and political parties, must respond with restraint, but without losing clarity. Cooperation in the region should not be opposed, but it must be founded on reciprocity, mutual respect and the protection of national interests. When actions are taken that create the impression that relations with Serbia have been fully normalized while the fundamental issues between Serbia and Kosovo remain unresolved, there is a risk of sending the wrong messages both internationally and within the region,” he said.
In conclusion, Bukuroca warned that one-sided accommodation of Serbia could have harmful consequences. According to him, relations between countries must be built by applying the same standards to all sides.
“The more Serbia is treated with one-sided tolerance, the more it is encouraged. That is precisely why it does not arrest those responsible for the terrorist attack in Banjska, but instead portrays them as heroes while continuing its provocations against Kosovo. Reciprocity is a fundamental principle in politics. Edi Rama believes that by coddling Serbia he can persuade the European Union, but integration is achieved through a functioning rule-of-law state, strong institutions and democratic standards, not through kowtowing,” Lis Bukuroca concluded for “Bota sot.”
