The Serbia-Kosovo agreement of 2020 has been hailed as a historic breakthrough in the long-standing dispute between the two countries. The agreement was brokered by the United States under the Trump administration and signed by Serbia`s President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo`s Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti.
The primary focus of the agreement is economic normalization, with both countries committing to increasing economic cooperation and trade. Kosovo has also pledged to lift its 100% tariff on Serbian goods, which was implemented in 2018 in response to Serbia`s efforts to undermine Kosovo`s sovereignty.
The agreement also includes measures to improve transport links between the two countries, including the establishment of a rail link between Belgrade and Pristina. This move is expected to boost trade and economic development in the region.
In addition to the economic measures, the agreement also includes provisions on issues such as mutual recognition of documents, property rights, and cultural heritage. The two sides have also agreed to work towards strengthening regional peace and security.
While the agreement has been praised by many as a positive step towards resolving the Serbia-Kosovo dispute, some have raised concerns about the lack of progress on other issues, such as the status of the Serb minority in Kosovo and the issue of missing persons from the Kosovo war.
Furthermore, some have criticized the lack of involvement of the European Union in the negotiations, with the agreement being seen as a bilateral deal between Serbia and Kosovo and not necessarily reflective of wider regional interests.
Despite these criticisms, the Serbia-Kosovo agreement of 2020 represents a significant milestone in the journey towards lasting peace and stability in the region. The commitment to economic normalization is a vital step towards improving the lives of people on both sides of the border, and the agreement`s provisions on cultural heritage and mutual recognition of documents are important steps towards building trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Overall, the Serbia-Kosovo agreement of 2020 is a positive development, and it is now up to both sides to work towards implementing its provisions and building on this momentum to resolve the remaining outstanding issues and build a brighter future for the region.