The European Commission has commented on KFOR’s gradual withdrawal from the Ibar Bridge in Mitrovica, stressing that effective coordination and meaningful consultations between the affected municipalities and Kosovo’s central institutions are necessary before the main bridge is opened to vehicle traffic.
European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper said at a press conference that the EU’s position on the bridge remains clear.
“Our position on the bridge has always been clear: it should serve and connect all communities. We call for effective coordination and meaningful consultation between the municipality and the central institutions. The Kosovo Police must also guarantee the safety and protection of all communities, in line with democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law, so that everyone feels safe,” Hipper said.
According to Hipper, the EU has spent millions of euros on the revitalization of the bridge connecting the two sides of Mitrovica.
“The bridge is already open to pedestrians, but not yet to everyone. We have conducted our assessments, steps have been taken towards this, and our position remains that effective coordination and meaningful consultation are still needed. We expect this coordination and consultation to improve,” Hipper said.
Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has again spoken about the Ibar Bridge, saying he plans to address NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and ask him to prevent the bridge from being opened to vehicular traffic. Vučić also accused the Turkish KFOR commander of being responsible for the latest developments.
“This is being done by the Turk, the KFOR commander. Today I will write to Mark Rutte and I hope he will respond to my letter and accept my request that this not happen. For me, this is a great shame and disappointment. This shows us that nervousness has entered their ranks; they do not know how to force Serbia to accept an independent Kosovo.”
The statements come eight days after KFOR announced the gradual transition of its permanent presence at the bridge, following an improvement in the security situation in Kosovo.
