The French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guerot, stated that France supports a partial lifting of EU measures against Kosovo. However, he emphasized that this does not guarantee their removal by the end of the year.
Guerot explained that the measures were a response to Kosovo’s uncoordinated and regrettable actions. After 17 months of sanctions, he noted some issues have been improved or changed but stressed the urgency of holding new municipal elections following the boycotted ones.
He recalled the mass resignation of Kosovo Serbs from institutions, including municipalities, which disrupted dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Guerot criticized the actions of Kosovo’s government in May 2023, which escalated tensions in Zvečan, resulting in injuries to 90 KFOR soldiers and journalists.
“These measures were a response to the government’s actions, which the EU deemed unfortunate,” he said. While some matters have progressed, the boycott of the referendum to remove northern mayors has not resolved the situation.
“France supports a partial lifting of the measures, but not everyone agrees. It is uncertain if discussions will yield results by year-end,” Guerot concluded.
