Endless Negotiations Between Kosovo and Serbia: Normalization, Mutual Recognition, or Status Quo?

The purpose of the research paper is to examine the process of recognizing Kosovo’s independence, which has faced numerous obstacles since its inception. These challenges have divided states into two groups: those that recognize Kosovo and support its sovereignty, and those that do not recognize it and actively oppose its legitimacy. The prospects for a resolution have been limited; however, current expectations are tied to the potential for a comprehensive agreement between Kosovo and Serbia. The scientific novelty to lies in its focus on the geopolitical dimensions of the issue, shifting the discussion from a theoretical framework to an examination of the political forces influencing global decision-making. This approach highlights the recognition of a state not merely as a legal matter, but also as a crucial aspect of the sovereignty of the states that choose to recognize or deny it. Conclusions. The dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia commenced in the late 1990s, marked by armed conflict and attempts at political resolutions. Despite continuous negotiations, both parties have sustained enduring disagreements, impeding substantial progress. The unpredictability of the dialogue process has been influenced by power dynamics within the two nations, trust issues, interests, and perceptions, resulting in minimal advancement and short-term political solutions. The declaration of Kosovo’s independence marked the onset of a new phase, yet its recognition remains incomplete. The dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia assumed a pivotal role after Serbia leveraged non-recognition to further its integration process while upholding relations with Russia. The matter of Kosovo has sparked debates regarding its recognition, with some viewing it as a unique case and others viewing it as a contentious precedent. The states that have recognized Kosovo demonstrate a deep understanding of the Kosovo-Serbian conflict or are under the influence of NATO and the United States. Conversely, states that have not recognized Kosovo are primarily situated within Russia’s sphere of influence or maintain weaker relations with the United States. Russia has capitalized on this situation to expand its influence and pose a threat to Europe. Russia’s influence has impeded the Europeanization of the Balkans and indicated its intention to obstruct the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. And there is also a group of countries that, due to their internal political and ethnic issues, have not yet recognized the state of Kosovo, fearing that it could spark separatist sentiments within their own borders. The recognition of Kosovo as a state remains a significant and ongoing political and strategic battleground between the United States and its allies and the Russian Federation.