The European Union (EU) has criticized Kosovo’s actions regarding the closure of parallel structures supported by Serbia in several municipalities, stating that these measures are in contradiction with Kosovo’s obligations to the EU under the normalization process.
In a statement, the EU said that these actions were taken in the middle of the election campaign for the parliamentary elections on February 9th and do not contribute to reducing tensions in the north.
“Kosovo’s recent actions against and the closure of Serbia-backed structures, carried out during the election campaign for the parliamentary elections on February 9th, are in contradiction with its obligations to the European Union within the normalization process. EULEX is monitoring the conduct of these recent actions in line with its mandate,” the EU response reads.
The EU also emphasized that the status of these structures should be resolved through dialogue and urged Kosovo to respect its obligations within this process.
Furthermore, the EU highlighted that the gradual removal of measures against Kosovo depends on the steps it takes to de-escalate tensions in the north and fulfill its commitments under the EU-facilitated dialogue.
On Wednesday, the Kosovo Police closed several parallel structures in municipalities such as Lipjan, Obiliq, Pristina, Fushë-Kosova, Vushtrri, Novobërdë, Kamenicë, Viti, Rahovec, and Skenderaj, as well as illegal Serbian-run tax posts and offices.
