While last week the Kosovar authorities were urged to refrain from any uncoordinated actions — including the construction of bridges in sensitive areas — the European Union now views the building of two new bridges in Mitrovica as a significant development, both practically and politically.
In a statement from the EU Press Office in Brussels, officials emphasized that any infrastructure project linking North and South Mitrovica requires close coordination and dialogue with all affected communities.
“It is essential that such projects reflect the will and needs of local communities,” the statement reads.
The EU also confirmed that it continues to carry out a structural assessment of the main bridge in Mitrovica, along with an urban study of the surrounding area. This comes in light of the time that has passed since the completion of the bridge’s revitalization.
“This assessment does not imply any change to the current status quo but aims to ensure that any decision regarding the future of the bridge is based on accurate, up-to-date, and objective technical data,” the statement adds.
Moreover, the EU affirms that it is in close coordination with international partners regarding the issue of the bridge and reiterates the need for full implementation of all agreements stemming from the EU-facilitated dialogue — including those relating to the Mitrovica bridge.
