The European Union Council will ask Kosovo to form the Association of Serb-majority municipalities, and without further delays, submit the European draft statute to the Constitutional Court.
This is outlined in the draft conclusions for Kosovo, which will be adopted on December 17 during the meeting of ministers responsible for European affairs.
These conclusions are part of the enlargement agenda and are approved annually by the EU in December. The same conclusions are then supported by the highest political level, the EU leaders at their next summit.
The draft conclusion states that the EU Council welcomes Kosovo and Serbia’s recent reaffirmation of their commitment to the normalization process and their pledge for constructive engagement to advance it more rapidly. The need to implement all dialogue agreements, including the Agreement on the Path of Normalization, is reiterated.
The EU Council also emphasizes that the status of structures and services supported by Serbia should be resolved within the dialogue framework.
It expresses deep concern over the situation in the north, urging both Kosovo and Serbia to pursue sustainable de-escalation efforts, refrain from unilateral and provocative actions that may lead to tensions and violence, and avoid divisive rhetoric.
The Council condemns the recent attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal in northern Kosovo and expresses solidarity with the affected people.
“The Council expects the perpetrators to be captured and brought to justice. In this regard, the Council calls on all concerned parties to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities,” the draft conclusion reads.
Violent acts by Serbian protesters against Kosovo citizens, KFOR troops, law enforcement, and media on May 29, 2023, as well as the September 24th attack in Banjskë, will also be condemned.
However, the EU Council confirms that the measures imposed on Kosovo remain in effect.
“The measures applied to Kosovo due to the lack of decisive actions to de-escalate tensions in the north of Kosovo remain in effect. The Council recalls that the EU is ready to lift its measures should Kosovo meet the EU’s requests in this regard,” states the draft conclusion.
The EU Council reiterates its importance and support for the work of the Specialized Chambers of Kosovo and the Office of the Specialist Prosecutor, emphasizing its readiness to assist these institutions in fulfilling their mandates.
In the EU conclusions, which will be adopted on December 17, Kosovo’s continued commitment to its European path and relevant reforms is welcomed.
Progress in the fight against organized crime, particularly through increased cooperation with Europol, is positively noted. Limited progress is observed regarding the fight against corruption and the protection of fundamental rights. Kosovo is urged to continue efforts to ensure accountability, independence, efficiency, and integrity of the judiciary system, protect freedom of expression, and ensure that legislation in these areas fully aligns with EU law and European standards.
The Council will welcome the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Deçan Monastery.
Kosovo’s steps toward fulfilling its commitments in CEFTA, including lifting the ban on the import of goods of Serbian origin, which “should be implemented promptly and fully,” will also be welcomed.
Kosovo will also be strongly praised for condemning Russia’s war and aggression against Ukraine, its continued voluntary alignment with European foreign policy, and the implementation of EU restrictive measures, which is a strong expression of Kosovo’s strategic choice and its place in a community of values.
