The EU, often criticized for its controversial stance, indecisiveness, and impotence, has been labeled a “Paper Tiger” by well-known figures. This term was not invented by Albanians but merely reflects the EU’s actions and circumstances.
In a situation where we most need the EU’s support in facilitating the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, we hear unserious statements from Borrell, Lajcak, and even EU spokesperson Mr. Stano, who are or were mediators in this dialogue.
This EU official is attempting to redirect clear issues, such as the Ibri Bridge, into a direction that is completely absurd, reflecting poorly on him and the EU he represents.
This should come as no surprise when you consider the internal divisions, damaged authority within the EU, and its lack of unity. For example, Orbán’s visits to Moscow and Beijing in the name of the EU highlight the chaotic state within the EU.
What can one expect from the EU when it comes to complex inter-state relations like those between Kosovo and Serbia, which have been mediated for over a decade with no success or authority? (Serbia today says it accepts the agreement but the next day rejects it).
Given the stagnation in these negotiations, influenced by other confusing factors (such as Albanian Prime Minister Rama), as well as Serbian and Russian propaganda and the EU’s incompetence, Kosovo has been penalized, including facing sanctions, on the grounds that it is the cause of failed results.
The world knows that Vučić deliberately delayed the negotiations, hoping for better conditions for Serbia. He openly declared this, referencing Azerbaijan (a situation Vučić is waiting for), waiting for the results of this year’s EU elections, or hoping for Trump’s return, with the EU saying nothing about these issues.
Kosovo is experiencing all these injustices partly because Serbia is sending arms to Ukraine, thus working on two fronts. Now, injustices are expected to increase with the recent EU-Serbia agreement on lithium, signed by Chancellor Scholz.
All these issues contribute to the EU turning a blind eye to reality, pampering Serbia, and questioning whether it agrees to open the bridge over the Ibri River.
These matters also minimize the impact of Serbia’s pre-military and terrorist attacks on northern Kosovo, particularly in Banjë.
It seems that the recent proposal by the Quint ambassadors, made during their meeting with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, to not open the bridge without Serbia’s approval, aligns with this approach.
Similarly, the recent attack on Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani by Macedonian authorities at Skopje Airport appears to be of the same nature.
Imagine how the EU would react if Kosovo did not hand over the bodies of the pre-military personnel from Banjë to Serbia, while the case of Faton Hajrizit is not even mentioned by the EU or Stano.
The question arises: What will Kosovo face if Trump comes to power? Will it be attacked more forcefully by the EU or by Trump? Which state leader would withstand such pressure or be forced to say: Kosovo will gain from these changes, not lose anything. (A phrase from 1989 about constitutional changes where Kosovo lost its autonomy).
