At the meeting scheduled for December, EU ministers are expected to reaffirm that the further lifting of measures against Kosovo will take place only after a regular and orderly transition of local governance in the north, as well as after a continued process of de-escalation. This is stated in the draft conclusions that are expected to be adopted at the end of the meeting.
A separate chapter of the conclusions is dedicated to the electoral process in the country, welcoming the smooth conduct of the February parliamentary elections and the autumn local elections.
Through these conclusions, the Council of Ministers expresses concern over the prolonged political deadlock following the parliamentary elections, and expects a well-administered and inclusive electoral process ahead of the early elections scheduled for 28 December.
Regarding the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, the Council of Ministers will reiterate that both Kosovo and Serbia have their progress on the EU path conditioned on their efforts to fully implement all commitments arising from the 2023 Agreement.
“Both sides risk losing important opportunities without progress in normalizing their relations. The Council acknowledges that the domestic political contexts in both Kosovo and Serbia have posed challenges to progress and expresses regret that the implementation of some Dialogue agreements remains incomplete by both parties,” the draft states.
The readiness of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, to organize a new round of high-level dialogue as soon as favorable conditions are created, is also confirmed. The parties are encouraged to use this opportunity to achieve concrete results.
Both countries are expected to implement all agreements, while Kosovo is specifically urged to implement its obligation related to the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities.
Kosovo and Serbia are expected to refrain from provocative actions, avoid divisive rhetoric, and find sustainable, coordinated solutions that guarantee security, protection, and participatory democracy for all citizens.
