Dimović’s statement, as reported by Radio Free Europe, directly undermines the hope that political change in Belgrade will bring a different mindset toward Kosovo. To declare Kosovo an “integral part of Serbia” means repeating the claim that has poisoned relations between the two countries. The speaker changes, but the message remains the same: Belgrade claims the right to rule over Kosovo.
This is where all political romanticism must end. The word “student” does not cleanse a nationalist stance. Protesting against corruption does not give you the right to deny your neighbour’s statehood. And opposing Vučić is not enough to present yourself as a democrat if, when it comes to Kosovo, you continue to think with the same logic of ownership.
What change does a force represent that seeks to free Serbia from the abuse of power, but still treats Kosovo as territory that belongs to it? These people appear worse than Vučić!
Even the invocation of Serbia’s Constitution demands a clear answer. A constitution does not gain authority over another people merely because it contains a claim to their territory. Belgrade must take responsibility for how it will build its relations with Kosovo. Repeating constitutional formulas does not replace this responsibility.
Tirana and Pristina must show clear-headedness. Enthusiasm for change in Serbia must not turn into silence in the face of the denial of Kosovo. Every new leadership must be judged by its positions and actions. When a position is unacceptable, opposition must be immediate and clear.
Likewise, international partners must make clear that internal democratisation does not serve as a justification for claims against neighbours. The fight against corruption is an obligation to the citizens of Serbia; respect for Kosovo is a test of regional responsibility. One does not atone for the absence of the other.
Representatives of the Student List have the opportunity to demonstrate what they mean by change. But with this statement, Dimović has repeated precisely the mindset from which the region needs to break free.
Kosovo is not an electoral reward for the winners in Belgrade. Its independence cannot be called into question every time Serbia changes its leaders. Whoever seeks to build a democratic Serbia must give up the claim to decide the fate of Kosovo.