Kosovo-Serbia relations in the context of conflict resolution (1999-2023)

The Kosovo–Serbia conflict represents one of the most complex and enduring disputes in post-Cold War Europe, rooted in competing claims of sovereignty, ethno-national identity, and contested statehood. Following the 1998–1999 war and NATO's intervention, Kosovo remained under UN administration until its unilateral declaration of independence in 2008—a move rejected by Serbia and several other states. Despite the cessation of armed conflict, political normalization has remained elusive, perpetuating instability in the Western Balkans. This dissertation investigates the evolving conflict resolution process between Kosovo and Serbia through an in-depth analysis of international mediation efforts, bilateral negotiations, and institutional mechanisms deployed since 1999. Particular focus is placed on the EU-facilitated Brussels Agreement (2013) and the Ohrid Agreement (2023), which form the legal and political backbone of the normalization dialogue. The research critically examines the establishment and contestation of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities (ASMM), the dynamics of asymmetric autonomy, and the constitutional and political constraints faced by both parties. The study adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on conflict resolution theory, legal-institutional analysis, and comparative autonomy frameworks (e.g., South Tyrol) to assess whether sustainable coexistence is achievable. Furthermore, it explores the role of external actors such as the European Union and the United States in shaping the negotiation environment and influencing outcomes. The findings suggest that while the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements provide a roadmap for gradual normalization, the process is hindered by mutual mistrust, domestic political fragmentation, and geopolitical rivalries. However, the research concludes that constructive ambiguity, phased implementation, and the European integration narrative remain critical levers for conflict transformation. Ultimately, this study argues that the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue is not solely a bilateral matter but a strategic test of the EU's capacity to manage ethnic conflicts and stabilize its southeastern European periphery. Keywords: Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Negotiations, Association of Serb Majority Municipalities, EU Facilitated Dialogue