In an interview for Deutsche Welle, the German expert on the Balkans, Franz Lothar Altmann gives an evaluation of the current situation in the Balkans and particularly the foreign relations of Serbia towards its neighbor Kosovo and the European Union.

"Belgrade has to think wisely about the path it chooses for its future, because it is very much related to the compromise in regards to its neighbor, Kosovo, and the recognition of its independence as one of the conditions," says the German analyst Altmann.

He notes that "pursuing a path of double standards - in one way seeking to become a member of the EU and on the other seeking to keep Kosovo - is impossible and completely in contrary to the European Union SAA policies of allowing Serbia in its family. In a away it's an indirect pressure on Serbia to choose the right path, the European Union."

Regarding the support of Serbia for illegal parallel structures in the north of Kosovo, the German analyst says that “this is a plan, masterminded by radicals of Serbia which seem to have found support in the new government as well. This is not the path for Serbia to the European Union and as such it will not work," adds the German analyst.

Another issue is the deployment of EU’s EULEX mission to Kosovo where Altmann stresses that "this is another issue where Serbia needs to understand that it cannot pursue membership in the EU while it attempts to obstruct the European Union mission in Kosovo."

Another expert on the Balkans from the United States International Peace Institute, Daniel Serwer, during an interview for Radio Free Europe  stressed that "Serbia needs to get off of its delusional myths over Kosovo. Kosovo is sovereign and independent."

Serwer adds that "Serbia must recognize the independence of Kosovo and establish good relations with its neighbor in order to be able to pursue a European Union membership. If Serbia refuses to change, it will continue to remain an instability factor in the Balkans. There will be severe social and economic damages to Serbia while its neighbors will prosper and continue pursuing full membership in the EU."

“Regardless of the other developments in Serbia, without recognizing Kosovo independence, there is no chance for Serbia to enter EU. European Union guidelines are very clear on this issue, “ concludes Serwer.