EU diplomat: The European Union has drawn up a new proposal for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia

THE European Union has drawn up a new proposal concerning it normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia with a clear timetable for actions, a senior EU diplomat pointed out on Tuesday (6/12) on the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans summit.

The draft proposal was sent yesterday, Monday (5/12) to both parties, said the diplomat, who asked not to be named. He added that it is expected that the two parties will reach a final agreement in less than a year.

“There are many things that make it a big step forward from the current situation. It is not full recognition but it is a full normalization of relations,” the diplomat said, according to the Athens News Agency.

Belgrade and Pristina committed in 2013 to an EU-sponsored dialogue to resolve outstanding issues, but not much progress has been made. A deal with Kosovo remains one of the main conditions for its inclusion Serbia in the EU.

“After listening to both parties, we redrafted the proposal,” the diplomat said. The proposal includes an annex “with a clear schedule of actions – when and how things should be done,” he noted.

The diplomat called on Pristina and Belgrade to “continue their constructive approach and focus on making irreversible progress towards normalization”.