Surroi: The final phase of Kosovo-Serbia normalization, the peaceful coexistence of both peoples

In an in-depth conversation on the PIKę podcast with Austrian historian Florian Bieber, the publicist Veton Surroi discussed the future prospects of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, emphasizing that the normalization of these relations is a process that requires continuous commitment, not only from this generation, but also from future generations.

Surroi stressed that the final phase should be a period of peace and coexistence between the two countries, where societies help each other create a culture of peace. He added that, although recognition of Kosovo by Serbia could happen immediately, the hatred between the peoples could continue for many years, and this would be a great challenge.

“There are several stages. The final stage that we should aspire to is a stage in which Kosovo and Serbia live in peace. Even in a culture of peace. If we normalize relations today, Serbia recognizes Kosovo today, there will still be hatred in our societies for many years to come and so we should think of it as a stage, the final stage of our normalization should be our countries and peoples living in peace. As part of a very peaceful region as part of a peaceful Europe,” he said.

In response to the question about his expectations regarding Serbia and the influence of Serbian nationalism, Surroi emphasized that in order to achieve true normalization, an internal normalization of both states must take place.

“There can be no normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, if there is no normalization of Serbia first, and normalization of Kosovo, of course internally. We are at the stage where we can see things moving, evolving positively in Serbia because once you start caring about Serbia and not caring about how Podgorica or Banja Luka is being led or the level of involvement or the direction that Kosovo Serbs have or the association of municipalities, things like that, then you are actually trying to put your own house in order. And a house that is in order can then communicate with other houses,” Surroi said.

Bieber, concluding the conversation, described this perspective as an optimistic vision for the future, with Surroi expressing hope for a real possibility of peace.