​​​​​​​BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said Tuesday that there has been no meaningful progress in the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in recent years, and stressed that trust must be restored as a first step toward resolving open issues.

Djuric made the remarks during a meeting in Belgrade with Peter Sorensen, the EU’s special representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. It was Sorensen’s first visit to Belgrade since taking office.

The Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, launched in 2011 and facilitated by the EU, aims to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo following Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence, which Belgrade does not recognize. While some agreements have been reached over the years, implementation has often stalled.

Djuric underlined that the formation of the Union of Serbian Municipalities, as agreed in the 2013 Brussels Agreement, remains a key element for normalizing relations.

“The unilateral actions of (Prime Minister Albin) Kurti’s government over the past few years have significantly worsened the position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija and further strained already fragile interethnic relations,” Djuric said. He added that Belgrade would continue to support the Serbian population in Kosovo and advocate for their basic rights, some of which are guaranteed by Pristina’s legislation.

Djuric noted the broader political context of the talks and urged the EU to take a more active role in helping all sides reach sustainable, compromise-based solutions.

Earlier in the day, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also received Sorensen and briefed him on the challenges facing the Serbian community in Kosovo.

Sorensen, who last week paid a three-day visit to Kosovo, met Kosovo officials and representatives of the Serbian List - a minority party in Kosovo. He also visited border crossings and the Gracanica Monastery. Following meetings, he said that discussions focused on ways to advance the dialogue process.​​​​​​​