Serbia and Kosovo at a Crossroads with Ilir Deda

In the aftermath of troubling recent violence, this episode sees Ivan Vejvoda host Ilir Deda for a discussion of the uncertain future facing the Western Balkans as the complex Serbian/Kosovan relationship hangs in the balance. Making a strong case for a robust and immediate diplomatic effort to ensure that the agreement reached in March is implemented quickly, Deda runs through the obstacles to progress and discusses the roles of the EU, the US and NATO in stabilizing the region and preventing any escalation of tensions, then examines the hopeful possibilities that have come with cooperation efforts, initiatives and moves toward a common regional market with freer movement and greater integration.

Ilir Deda is an expert on Kosovo's governance, security, and foreign affairs with over a decade of experience in public service and policy research. He has held roles including Member of Parliament, Executive Director of the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development, political advisor to Kosovo's Prime Minister, analyst for the International Crisis Group and Senior Expert on Human Capital Development at the Regional Cooperation Council. Deda has also lectured on European integration and published extensively. His current research as an IWM Europe's Futures Fellow focuses on the EU-sponsored Basic Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.