The European Union is expected to approve a draft conclusion on December 17, urging both Kosovo and Serbia to implement the agreements arising from their dialogue without delay, reports DW.
The implementation of all agreements resulting from the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, including the creation of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, will be the primary demand for both Kosovo and Serbia, according to the draft conclusion document prepared by the EU. This document, which DW has reviewed, is set to be put up for approval at the EU ministers’ meeting on December 17.
What does the conclusion document contain?
The new EU document emphasizes that Kosovo’s and Serbia’s path to European integration is contingent on these commitments. The document also mentions the situation in northern Kosovo, especially after last month’s incident in the Ibër-Lepenc canal in Zubin Potok. Kosovo blames Serbia for the attack, but Serbia categorically denies involvement.
“The Council remains deeply concerned about the situation in northern Kosovo. Kosovo and Serbia must take sustainable steps to de-escalate, refrain from unilateral and provocative actions that could lead to tensions and violence, and avoid divisive rhetoric,” the draft EU document states.
EU: Work on the Association Must Begin
On December 17, the chief negotiators of Kosovo and Serbia are expected to meet in Brussels as part of the dialogue. The document stresses that “the Council reiterates that the Agreement on the Path to Normalization of Relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and the Annex for its Implementation, adopted in February and March 2023, must be respected and fully implemented as soon as possible without preconditions, along with all other obligations arising from the EU.”
Specifically, Kosovo is called upon to start work on “the adoption of the European draft statute for the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities.”
“This includes the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, starting with the submission of the draft statute, presented to the parties by the EU mediator, through a decision by the Government of Kosovo to the Constitutional Court of Kosovo without further delay,” the draft document states.
In October 2023, the EU delivered a “modern draft statute” to Kosovo and Serbia for the establishment of the Association. The United States, Germany, France, and Italy have supported this draft. /DW/
