The Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) welcomes the European Union’s decision to start lifting the measures imposed on Kosovo, albeit belatedly. These measures were unjust, their initial imposition was a mistake, and leaving them in place for such a long time was an even greater error.
“GLPS has been the only organization to monitor these measures closely and has published research about their impact. According to our assessment, the measures have cost Kosovo at least 100 million euros in opportunity costs, mainly affecting IPA projects dedicated to the rule of law, democracy, infrastructure, and more. It is also important to note that these measures have severely damaged the EU’s credibility. Specifically, while the perpetrators of the Banjskë attack roam freely in Belgrade and meet with state ministers, the citizens of Kosovo remain under EU-imposed restrictions,” the statement reads.
GLPS believes that the formation of institutions will create a positive momentum for the complete removal of these measures. Only the full lifting of the measures can generate goodwill to accelerate reforms related to European integration, especially in the dialogue with Serbia.
In this context, High Representative Kaja Kallas has a golden opportunity to undo the damage caused by her predecessor to the dialogue and the EU’s credibility. The beginning of the lifting of these measures is a hopeful sign, and we hope it signals a positive turn towards restoring balance in mediating the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.
GLPS will continue to monitor the measures until their complete removal and the broader European integration process. We hope that Ms. Kallas’s visit marks a new chapter in Kosovo’s relations with the EU.
