The Octopus Institute, through a statement, reacted to the recent rhetoric of the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, emphasizing that by threatening Kosovo and implicitly challenging Europe to choose between Serbia and Kosovo, they mark a worrying shift towards instability in the Balkan region.
The Octopus Institute strongly condemns these comments, not only as a threat to regional peace, but as an alignment with a geopolitical stance that echoes the past, undermining the principles of European unity and the universal values of harmony and coexistence.
“President Vucic’s rhetoric is a manifestation of a revisionist policy that aims to return the Balkan region to a past era characterized by heightened nationalism and geopolitical tension. Such language not only revives memories of the 1990s, a decade bloodied by conflict and division, but also stands in stark opposition to the ideals of the European project and the universal pursuit of peace and security. By invoking the specter of conflict and suggesting “other means” if Europe does not accept Serbia’s position, this approach not only provokes conflict, but perpetuates a cycle of tension and hostility that the region, and indeed the world, cannot afford. Moreover, this stance closely aligns with Russia’s strategic interests and political rhetoric, signaling a potential axis of cooperation that could further destabilize the region and challenge the principles of democratic integrity, sovereignty, and international law. This approach not only threatens the delicate balance of peace in the Balkans, but also challenges the broader European and global order, undermining efforts to promote stability, peace and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. The Octopus Institute calls on the international community to recognize the weight of these statements and the revisionist politics they represent. It is imperative that we stand united in condemning rhetoric that seeks to divide and destabilize, and instead reaffirm our commitment to a world governed by the principles of peace, respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo, and the collective pursuit of prosperity. We call on all stakeholders in the region and the international community at large to engage in dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation to ensure that the dark chapters of the past do not define our future”, reads the statement of the Octopus Institute.
According to Octopus Institute, in these challenging times, it is more important than ever to maintain the values that bind us together as a global community: respect for international norms, commitment to peace and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and cooperation.
