The European Union (EU) is set to call on Kosovo and Serbia to urgently and unconditionally implement the normalization agreement between them. This call will be part of the conclusions to be adopted during the upcoming EU Ministers’ meeting on Tuesday. The draft of these conclusions, stresses that the normalization agreement is a prerequisite for the progress of both countries in the EU integration process.
The document highlights that Kosovo must begin the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities without further delay, while Serbia is urged to recognize Kosovo’s documents and symbols, as stipulated by the agreement.
The Council reiterates that the “Agreement on the Path towards Normalization of Relations between Kosovo and Serbia,” along with its annex for implementation, signed in February and March 2023, must be fully respected and implemented as soon as possible, without preconditions. This includes the creation of the Association/Community of Serb-majority Municipalities, starting with the submission of the Statute draft to Kosovo’s Constitutional Court without any further delays.
The EU also strongly condemns the violence in northern Kosovo, including recent attacks on the Ibër-Lepenc canal and last year’s attack in Banjskë. The conclusions call for those responsible to face justice and express deep regret that Serbia has not taken the necessary steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Furthermore, the EU is concerned about the situation in northern Kosovo and calls on both Kosovo and Serbia to take sustainable steps for de-escalation, refrain from unilateral and provocative actions, and avoid divisive rhetoric.
Regarding Serbia’s EU integration, despite efforts by the Hungarian Presidency and the European Commission to open Chapter 3, this will not happen due to objections from certain EU member states. Serbia is reminded that more progress is needed, particularly in the rule of law and normalization of relations with Kosovo, to advance its EU membership bid. Serbia has not opened any chapters since December 2021. The EU will revisit the opening of chapters once progress is made on these key issues.
Kosovo’s EU membership application, submitted two years ago, is still pending and has not moved forward within the EU Council. Likewise, there will be no movement for North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which continue to face blockages in their EU integration process.
The EU reiterates its commitment to accelerating the enlargement process, seeing it as a geopolitical interest crucial to building peace and stability. However, the EU will urge countries in the region to work on resolving regional disagreements and bilateral issues in parallel with their EU integration reforms.
