In a series of periodic debates with representatives of all sides, ELIAMEP’s SEE Programme had the pleasure to host the Serbian Minister for Kosovo and Metohija, Mr. Alexander Vulin in an event which was held at the offices of the European Parliament in Athens on 19 September 2013. Professor Veremis and Dr Armakolas, head of the SEE programme, inaugurated the event. Mr. Vulin enlightened the guests on the progress regarding the Kosovo issue. He underlined the significance of the Brussels’ Agreement (April 2013). However, he pointed that this is only the first step. Undoubtedly, as he claimed, the Brussels’ Agreement has brought progress in the telecommunication and energy sector, but especially for the latter there is more room for discussion since property rights remain on the negotiating table.
Regarding Serbia’s EU accession path, Mr. Vulin urged EU members not to judge Serbia only in relation to the Kosovo issue. Mr. Vulin has emphasized the progress that Serbia has achieved in various sectors including economy and justice. Despite the not so optimistic forecasts for the Serbian economy, Mr. Vulin argued that other countries that managed to be included in the last EU enlargements faced comparable problems.
Finally, Minister Vulin made a specific reference on the tragic event that took place in the morning of 19 September near Zvecan in North Kosovo, where an EULEX policeman was shot dead. Mr. Vulin pointed that actions like that can undermine the negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo and put at risk the stabilization of Kosovo and Metohija. Security issues remain an unresolved problem in the area.