Kosovo, Serbia and the EU: Discussing the Challenges and Perspectives of a Conflict Region

Round Table
University of Fribourg, Bd. de Pérolles 90, Room G120
26 April 2012, 15:00 – 17:30 h

The focus of this round table will be on the discussion of current challenges and perspectives related to the complex relationship and disputes between Serbia and Kosovo. With this regard, the role of the EU is of crucial importance. How effective is the EU in managing and regulating the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia? To what extent is the conflict an obstacle for the integration of Serbia in the EU? What are the implications for Kosovo and its Europeanization? We will take a look at the issues at stake from an internal, domestic, as well as external, international, perspective. Experts will discuss the current situation and possible implications stemming from the negotiation’s results. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions or simply share their opinions.

Objective

 

15:00 –15:30 h

WELCOME

Prof. Dr. Nicolas Hayoz

, University of Fribourg

INTRODUCTION "MAIN ISSUES AND CURRENT STATUS"

Dr. Andreas Ernst,

NZZ Journalist, event moderator

SWISS CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT IN KOSOVO AND SERBIA

Kurt Kunz,

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

15:30 – 16:25 h

EU AS A KEY ACTOR IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND EUROPEANIZATION –

APPROACHES TO KOSOVO AND SERBIA

Dr. Claire Gordon,

London School of Economics

CONFLICT BETWEEN KOSOVO AND SERBIA – THE ROLE AND EFFECTIVENESS

OF THE EU POLICIES

Ilir Deda,

Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED)

Vladimir Todoric,

New Policy Center in Belgrade

INTERNAL POWER STRUGGLES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

POTENTIAL AND THE EU-ACCESSION PROCESS

Dr. Jovo Bakic,

Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade

Prof. Dr. Arben Hajrullahu,

Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina

16:25 – 17:30 h

Q&A, FINAL DISCUSSION, CLOSING REMARKS

Dr. Andreas Ernst, moderator

Programme