The EU’s role in the Kosovo‑Serbia dialogue (2011–2025): strategies that influenced mediation

The dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is among the most complex and controversial negotiation processes of the past decade, reflecting challenges for European foreign policy. Following the United Nations’ call to promote the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, the European Union assumed the role of mediator-facilitator in a deeply rooted ethnic and political conflict. Its approach combined pragmatic agreements, ambiguity and different levels of intervention. This article has two purposes: to examine the EU’s role through literature and official documents, and to identify the strategies adopted during the dialogue from 2011 to 2025. The analysis shows that these strategies were more effective in sustaining negotiations and facilitating interim agreements than in ensuring implementation, local ownership and durable normalization. Finally, the article considers whether a stronger intercultural dimension could complement political negotiations, improve relations between communities and support the European integration process, provided that it remains a credible incentive.