Political analysts warn that the European Union (EU) may delay lifting measures against Kosovo, even after the handover of new Serbian mayors in northern municipalities. They note that the EU could use these measures to press additional demands on Kosovo.
On Friday, December 5, Kosovo is expected to meet the EU’s main condition for lifting sanctions, as outlined in the draft enlargement conclusions, when the new Serbian mayors in northern municipalities formally take office.
However, political experts remain skeptical that the measures will be lifted immediately following the transfer of local power in the north.
Augustin Palokaj, correspondent for Koha in Brussels, stated that lifting the EU measures might only occur after early parliamentary elections to prevent either side in Kosovo from politically exploiting the situation.
“In my opinion, this will now be seen as a test for lifting the measures, but I don’t believe it will happen before the December 28 elections, as many diplomats believe the northern situation has long been exploited for political clashes in Kosovo,” Palokaj said.
Similarly, political analyst Basri Muja emphasized that the EU has consistently used the suspension of measures as leverage.
“The inauguration of new mayors on December 5 is certainly a positive step and strengthens the argument that institutions in the north are returning to normality. However, it is unlikely that the measures will be removed immediately. The EU signals that, beyond the inauguration, sustained implementation of the 2023 Bratislava agreements and obligations related to normalizing Kosovo-Serbia relations is required,” Muja said.
Next Friday, the Serb List has scheduled inaugural meetings for the swearing-in of new mayors simultaneously across all municipalities where it won.
Muja added that lasting de-escalation in the north, as requested by the EU, can only be achieved after the return of local governance.
“The functioning of local administration is expected to bring greater stability on the ground. Kosovar institutions must operate in the north as they do in the rest of the Republic, and I believe there should be no compromise in enforcing law and order,” he said.
The Serb List restored governance in the north after approximately three years of boycotting Kosovo institutions.
