The Belgrade-Pristina Agreement on Normalization of Relations was signed in April 2013. The measures implemented so far have initiated difficult but ground-breaking changes, especially in northern Kosovo.
NATO through its peace-support operation KFOR, based on UNSCR 1244, has been maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo. Currently, there are roughly under 5000 troops active in Kosovo and this number will be reduced significantly until end of 2015.
The EU is largest donor in Kosovo and has provided more than 2 billion Euros in assistance since 1999.The EU’s active engagement for the development of Kosovo was evident in the personal involvement of former High Representative Catherine Ashton facilitating the High-Level Dialogue between Belgrad and Pristina, which has led to the Brussels agreement in April 2013.
EULEX Kosovo, approved by the European Council in December 2007 and operational since February 2008 represents the largest civilian Mission under the EU’s Common Security and Defense policy.
Almost two years after the signing of the Agreement, what are the main challenges in northern Kosovo for the coming years and how can NATO/ the EU respond to them? What can Switzerland – as an active Partner of the EU and NATO – offer? Do we have an Exit Strategy?
