"There is no EU for Serbia without the recognition of Kosovo", Picula: Any destabilization of Kosovo would cost Vučić dearly

Croatian MEP and rapporteur for Serbia in the European Parliament, Tonino Picula, has stated that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić would like to cause unrest in northern Kosovo, but cannot do so after having spent all his credits following the incursion of Serbian paramilitary groups in Banjska in 2023.

In an interview for the Croatian portal Morning list, Picula said that Vučić's current strategy aims at destabilization, but without the direct use of force.

“Vučić would now like to cause unrest in northern Kosovo, but he spent all his credits after the incursion of Serbian paramilitary groups into Banjska in 2023, when a Kosovo policeman was killed,” Picula said.

Picula estimates that any possible destabilization in Kosovo would now cost Vučić dearly, and for this reason he is more focused on internal political tensions and provocations towards Croatia.

The Croatian MEP said that Serbia cannot become an EU member until it recognizes Kosovo's independence and renounces the "Serbian world" policy.

"Vučić is using the EU as an ATM. Serbian citizens are exposed to a narrative that favors brotherly and friendly ties with Beijing and Moscow, while the West and the EU are demonized. If a referendum on Serbia's entry into the EU is organized tomorrow, no spectacular result should be expected," Picula said, reports Telegrafi.

He adds that changes in government in Serbia carry risks for which the EU may not be prepared, but warns that Vucic's use of force could lead to a change in the attitude of European institutions towards him.

"That's why he sends thugs, various provocateurs, party people who want to weaken that desire for protests, but they don't succeed," said Picula.

We remind you that at the beginning of May, the European Parliament will vote on its report on the situation in Serbia, which lists all the open issues that Serbia is failing to resolve and which are criteria for progress towards EU membership. /Telegraph/