The European Council has published new conclusions regarding Kosovo, with a specific focus on the sanctions imposed by the EU on the country. Among the key points, the Council urges Kosovo to facilitate the reintegration of Serbian judges, prosecutors, police officers, and other personnel who left Kosovo’s institutions in 2022.
The reintegration is expected to be carried out in line with the agreements made through the dialogue process, ensuring full adherence to the legal framework of Kosovo.
In these conclusions, the EU emphasizes that it will lift the sanctions imposed on Kosovo gradually, but only if Kosovo takes parallel steps to de-escalate tensions in the northern part of the country. This marks a significant moment in the EU’s ongoing pressure on Kosovo to uphold its commitments while addressing rising tensions in the region.
“The Council calls on Kosovo to enable the reintegration of Serbian judges, prosecutors, police officers, and other Serbian personnel into all institutions they left in 2022. The Council expects the reintegration to be carried out in full accordance with the Dialogue agreements and with complete respect for Kosovo’s legal framework. According to the June 3, 2023, statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU, the EU has applied reversible measures against Kosovo. These measures will be gradually lifted as Kosovo takes further steps to de-escalate tensions in the north. The Council will continue to monitor these issues,” reads the conclusion.
The call comes as Kosovo faces increasing pressure from the EU to make tangible progress on its obligations, especially concerning the normalization of relations with Serbia and addressing issues in the north, where ethnic tensions have remained high. The EU’s focus is clear: Kosovo must act decisively to calm the situation while reintegrating Serb officials back into the country’s institutions.
