Relations between Belgrade and Pristina was a top story discussed at the informal meeting of the European Union and the Western Balkans foreign minister in Vienna on Friday. Some of the EU leaders expressed concern that any wrong move in Serbia-Kosovo talks may open a Pandora box – drawing of new maps in the Balkans.

Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Ivica Dacic, said Belgrade was committed to reaching a compromise with Pristina and that this would be in the best interest of the peoples of the two countries.

“…and we think this would contribute to the stability of the entire region. That would also mean an open path in terms of integration and the EU membership,” Dacic said.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, who mediate the talks, refused to comment the stances of the ministers expressed behind the closed door but she said they strongly support the dialogue between Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Hashim Thaci.

“But we appreciate the dedication and resoluteness to finally solve one of, if not the most complex and painful issues, full of possible consequences for the region itself, to solve the tensions we still have in Europe and only 20 years after the conflicts. Next week we continue the dialogue with Thaci and Vucic,” Mogherini said.

According to European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, this is a good moment to reach an agreement.

“It is clear that any agreement must contribute to the peace and stability in the Western Balkan region,” said the Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner.

German FM, Heiko Maas, noted that the talk of a territory swap between Serbia and Kosovo would not give desired results but would “open the old wounds amongst the people” and hence the scepticism over the idea.

A progress reached in the Macedonian-Greek name dispute was also pointed out as a positive example in the region.
According to Nikola Dimitrov, Macedonian FM, the only possible vision of the stability in the Balkans is the European vision.

“We are about to solve all bilateral issues. The last in the line is the name dispute with Greece. We are resolute to end this,” he underlined.

Belgian foreign minister expressed hope that Serbia and Kosovo would reach an agreement, which would mean after the Macedonia-Greece solved dispute the region is moving forward indeed.