As Kosovo moves closer to potential membership in the Council of Europe (CoE), President Aleksandar Vucic has hinted at the possibility of Serbia withdrawing from the organization should Kosovo be granted membership.
Despite Belgrade’s refusal to recognize Kosovo’s independence and its vigorous lobbying to keep Kosovo out of international organizations, Kosovo’s candidacy for CoE membership was accepted last year, with a decision expected in May.
In an interview with Prva TV on March 22, Vucic expressed Serbia’s dissatisfaction with the prospect of Kosovo’s admission to the CoE, suggesting significant ramifications for the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
“You go with that and then we’ll see if Serbia stays in the Council of Europe or not,” Vucic remarked during the interview.
The CoE, comprised of 47 member states, is dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.
Vucic’s sentiments were echoed by Ana Brnabic, the speaker of the Serbian parliament, who emphasized that Serbia is serious about its stance.
Brnabic stated that should the CoE compromise its principles by admitting Kosovo, Serbia should not participate in such “hypocrisy and charade.”
These remarks came in response to Viola von Cramon, the permanent rapporteur for Kosovo, dismissing claims of Serbia’s potential withdrawal from the CoE as a “bluff.”
Meanwhile, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has taken steps perceived as pivotal toward Kosovo’s potential accession to the CoE, including implementing a constitutional court ruling granting land to the Serbian Orthodox monastery Visoki Decani.
Kosovo applied for CoE membership in May 2022, and the Ministerial Committee approved its application in April 2023.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is scheduled for mid-April, with the Council of Ministers meeting to decide on Kosovo’s membership slated for late May.
Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kosovo has intensified efforts to join international organizations, pressing for expedited procedures for NATO and EU membership, despite opposition from Serbia and its allies.
Kosovo, wary of Belgrade’s potential to destabilize the region due to its close ties with Russia, seeks to strengthen its international ties.
