Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has recommended that EU member states consider lifting the measures imposed on Kosovo. This recommendation was reported by Radio Free Europe, citing diplomatic sources within the EU.
Borrell’s recommendation, outlined in his report, suggests that the steps Kosovo has taken towards meeting the EU’s demands as of June 3, 2023, warrant the removal of these measures. He argues that lifting the measures would serve as a political signal and contribute to a balanced context in which the EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade can progress.
The report highlights specific demands made to Kosovo, which include actions by Kosovo’s special police units in the northern region, predominantly inhabited by Serbs, and the functioning of Albanian mayors in the northern municipalities.
Borrell emphasized that the EU will continue to closely monitor developments in northern Kosovo and the actions of both Kosovo and Serbia to ensure they do not escalate tensions.
The report will be discussed in the EU’s Political and Security Committee meeting on June 19, with a potential decision on lifting the measures being considered. This issue might also be on the agenda for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting at the ministerial level on June 24.
The EU’s measures, imposed a year ago due to the escalation of security issues in northern Kosovo, included the suspension of activities under the Stabilization and Association Agreement, exclusion from high-level events, and suspension of bilateral visits not related to the crisis.
Kosovo’s government has repeatedly claimed that it has met the EU’s demands and that the situation in northern Kosovo has de-escalated, thus justifying the removal of these measures.
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