The European Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee has approved a draft resolution on Kosovo, which includes a call for the immediate removal of EU sanctions.
The author of the report is Riho Terras, the rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, who has emphasized that Kosovo’s place is in the EU.
The document supports Kosovo’s application for EU membership and urges member states that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so without further delay.
The European Parliament also supports Kosovo’s request for membership in the Council of Europe and its plan to join NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.
Significant progress is highlighted in areas such as justice, security and freedoms, the fight against organized crime, and the functioning of the market economy, but there is regret over limited progress in the rule of law.
Serious concern is expressed regarding systemic weaknesses in Kosovo’s justice system, particularly regarding its independence and respect for the separation of powers.
Concerns are also raised about the security situation in northern Kosovo, especially following the armed attack in Banjska and the one in Ibër Lepenc. A call is made for the perpetrators of these attacks to be brought to justice.
Particular regret is expressed that Serbia has not brought the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Banjska to justice, including former Deputy Chairman of the Serbian List, Milan Radojičić.
The document also expresses support for the dialogue process aimed at normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia and welcomes the appointment of Peter Sorensen as the special envoy for this dialogue.
After approval by the Foreign Policy Committee, the document will be voted on during a plenary session in the summer, where it will also receive the version of the European Parliament’s Resolution.
