As part of our course on EU enlargement (EU-Prox – Innovating European Studies: Geopolitics and Sustainability of Enlargement), we had the opportunity to engage with perspectives from across the Western Balkans region through guest lectures by two distinguished professors—prof. Jelena Jerinić from Union University, Belgrade (Serbia) and prof. Arben Hajrullahu, Rector of the University of Pristina (Kosovo).

Their contributions provided valuable insights into the political, legal, and societal dynamics shaping the Western Balkans, particularly in relation to questions of reconciliation, regional cooperation, and the European integration process. The discussion also touched upon Serbia–Kosovo relations, reflecting both their historical roots and current issues—such as debates surrounding the Association of Serb Municipalities (ASM)—as seen from two distinct yet interrelated perspectives. Bringing together these two viewpoints not only enriched the academic discussion but also highlighted the complexity and importance of dialogue in addressing ongoing challenges in the region.

To further develop this exchange of perspectives, we conducted a brief interview.

How can societies in the Western Balkans reconcile ethnic diversity with persistent nationalist narratives, and what role should institutions and education play in this process? 

Jelena Jerinić: Regional reconciliation is the only way we can progress – towards the EU and, in general, as societies. Interethnic relations on the whole territory of the former SFRY are still an obstacle for cooperation, but many of the problems are constructed by the desire for political profit, even though they are easily solvable. Other problems are severe and result from the legacy of war and crimes committed in the name of national interests and agendas and, unfortunately, we still have not begun dealing with them. These can be tackled only by serious programs of reconciliation, which would have to encompass all public institutions, the media, civil society and the educational system.

Arben Hajrullahu: One of the strongest tools in the hands of states is the educational system. To apply education as a catalyst for the reconciliation of ethnic diversity, we first need states that have such an interest and do not pursue revisionist policies. In that sense, education is key—but the central question remains: education provided by whom and with which purpose, aim, and goals?

Despite many initiatives, regional cooperation and reconciliation remain limited in the Western Balkans—what, in your view, are the main structural obstacles, and where do you see realistic opportunities for progress?

 Jelena Jerinić: Looking from Serbia, the problem lies in the fact that the political structure and even the very people in power are practically the same ones who were in places of decision-making in the 1990s when the fallout and the war in Yugoslavia started. We are seeing the practical revival of the same narratives which were constructed and nurtured during the 1990s. The EU has been seen, as still could be, a vehicle for changes in this respect, even though support for EU integration is on a steady decline in Serbia.

Arben Hajrullahu: Dishonesty is the main obstacle. Having unrealistic expectations and making false promises have led to systemic discouragement among all those who were willing or have genuinely pursued regional cooperation and reconciliation. Since 2003, the Western Balkans has been promised a European future—whatever that may mean. In the meantime, what has happened? We see a divided EU, even on crucial questions related to a violent and difficult past, such as the relationship between Serbia and Kosovo. The EU’s division on the issue of Kosovo’s statehood is misleading Serbia and blocking any meaningful and lasting “European solution” in this part of geographical Europe.

To what extent can a more pragmatic, interest-based approach complement or replace identity-driven politics in the region, and how could the EU more effectively support such a shift?

Jelena Jerinić: As I said, the support for EU integration is declining (in Serbia it’s at its historical low of around 33%). Citizens do not see the EU as an actor of support, since the accession process has been going on practically forever. Of course, the image created by the local politicians in power does not contribute to its rating, since the EU is portrayed as constantly demanding something from Serbia and not giving anything in return. In fact, this is a strategy to mask the very core of the problem – the lack of fundamentals, personified in systemic high-level corruption and disregard for basic principles of the rule of law. That is not a system which will honestly lead to us to the EU but will only use the anti-EU narrative it to stay in power, all the while benefiting from available EU funds. Therefore, the EU also has a role in dismantling this narrative, by consistently applying its conditionality policies, beyond the pure administrative box-ticking.

Arben Hajrullahu: EU and its member states should move away from the so-called stabilocracy-approach.[1] Speaking with a clear and united voice towards the Western Balkan countries would be of great help to all parties involved in the EU integration process. Even for identity-driven politics, which are largely shaped by ethnonationalist ideologies, the EU could offer a lasting solution. In this sense, all ethnic groups, regardless of the independent state in which they live, would be part of a broader political framework, polity, under the common roof known as the EU.

What role do younger generations—students, academics, and civil society actors—play in shaping future relations between Serbia and Kosovo, and are there existing forms of exchange that could be strengthened?

Jelena Jerinić: Serbia has a generational chance for change,[2] but the chance has to go further than shifts in political power. There is a need to break up with the past and set a clear vision of future, ultimately tied to EU membership. First of all, we need transparency and honesty in the dialogue, and the focus ultimately has to be on the quality of life. There is a reason why people are moving out from the region, especially young people. The fact that in Serbia, young people decide to stay and fight for the rule of law is encouraging. However, the relations between Serbia and Kosovo need to be reframed from adversarial posturing towards cooperation and mutual legitimacy. Academia and the civil society can help in the framing of these new relations, by providing the evidence base and acting as neutral facilitators, translating complex issues into implementable options.

Arben Hajrullahu: Ultimately, sustaining an open dialogue between diverse perspectives remains essential not only for advancing reconciliation and cooperation in the region, but also for shaping a credible European future—one in which the EU can more effectively support progress toward accession while responding to the region’s evolving political realities.

Jelena Jerinić (Јелена Јеринић) is a Serbian academic and politician. She is a law professor at Union University in Belgrade and has served in the National Assembly of Serbia since 2022. Jerinić is a member of the Green–Left Front (ZLF).

Arben Hajrullahu, is a professor at the University of Prishtina, Department of Political Science. Since October 1, 2024, Arben Hajrullahu holds the position of Rector of the University of Prishtina.

[1] Stabilocracy (often spelled stabilitocracy or stabilotocracy) is a combination of “stability” and “cracy” (from the Greek kratos meaning power). The term is a term describing a hybrid, semi-authoritarian political regime that claims to secure regional stability and pledges to pursue European Union (EU) integration, while in reality, it exhibits serious democratic deficiencies, including the erosion of the rule of law, media control, and the weakening of democratic institutions. Florian Bieber, BiEPAG 2017 (https://www.biepag.eu/blog/what-is-a-stabilitocracy).

[2] Reference is to the massive student protests after the collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad station killed 16 people on 1 November 2024.