The Fast-Track to Europe Chart

Responses to EU requirements

EU requirementsAutonomyIndependence
Stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, rule of law, human rights, respect and protection of minoritiesSustainable cooperation between existing institutions in Serbia and developing institutions in Kosovo assures continuous and progressive developmentKosovo institutions are weak and underdeveloped, burdened with ethnic issues undermining their legitimacy; Great risk of radicalization of political and social life in Serbia
Functioning market economy Much bigger market, easier mobility of people, goods and servicesWeak economy, high unemployment rate, divided market, high level of corruption and organized crime
Ability to take on the obligations of membership (adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union)Possibility of continuous and uninterrupted adoption of legislation both in Pristina and Belgrade (in their spheres of competence)Adoption of many laws in Serbia would be disabled as a consequence of Serbia’s repudiation of  the independence of Kosovo
Administrative capacities to secure the adoption and implementation of the Acquis Communautaire Serbia already has good administrative capacities that are recognized by the European Commission as such and that could be available for exchange and assistance to Kosovo’s institutionsKosovo’s administrative capacities are underdeveloped and it would take too much time to enable them to cope with the complicated tasks that association encompasses
Obligation to peacefully solve inner conflicts before joining the EU
Kosovo Compromise YES
Kosovo Compromise YES
Regional cooperation and good neighborly relations
Kosovo Compromise YES
Serbia would have tense or non-existing relations with an independent Kosovo as well as with countries that would eventually recognize its independence
Efficient fight against terrorism and organized crime
Kosovo Compromise YES
“Transborder” organized crime and illegal trafficking would prosper in atmosphere of tension and crisis.
The EU negotiates and can have contractual relations only with sovereign and recognized statesKosovo would be part of the Stabilization and Association Process and would have distinct representation in the Committee of RegionsDue to non-recognition, two countries would obstruct each other's process. Both of them would be hindered by other countries, depending on whether they have recognized Kosovo or not