The EU prepares a package of sanctions against Kosovo

2023-06-13 21:11:05, Kosova & Bota CNA

The European Union has prepared initial measures, such as sanctions against Kosovo due to the disregard of requests for immediate steps by the Government of Kosovo to reduce tensions in the north, Radio Free Europe learns from diplomatic sources.

According to these measures, the sanctions will include the suspension of invitations for Kosovo's participation in high-level events and bilateral visits by the European Union and member countries. There will be meetings only when they need to be held to focus on addressing the crisis in northern Kosovo and steps to find a solution.

The other sanction is expected to include the joint work of the groups that exist between Kosovo and the EU, which were created on the basis of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

The meeting of a sub-committee, the one for trade, industry, customs and taxes, which was supposed to be held on June 8, but which did not take place, has already been suspended. The next meeting, which is expected to be suspended, is the one on June 21 and 22, of the sub-commission for justice, freedom and security.

There will also be financial consequences for Kosovo. A significant suspension of financing by the EU of several projects for which Kosovo has given proposals within the Investment Fund for the Western Balkans is planned.

Ambassador Hovenier: Cancellation of participation in Defender 23, the first consequence for Kosovo
May 30, 4:40 p.m

The EU, as a sanction against Kosovo, has planned to reduce the level of public presence in joint developments and events where members of the Government of Kosovo participate. This measure is expected to include meetings within the framework of financial cooperation.

Diplomatic sources say that engagement with the Kosovo authorities in all these areas would return to a normal level as soon as the Government of Kosovo takes steps that the EU expects in the framework of the dialogue, which have been expressed in several public statements. First of all, there are demands for the withdrawal of special police units from municipal buildings in the north and the announcement of new local elections.

Otherwise, tensions in the north have increased since May 26, when the Kosovo Police helped the Albanian mayors of the Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposavi? municipalities to settle in the municipal facilities, despite the resistance of the local residents.

Tensions culminated on May 29, when local Serbs clashed with soldiers from the NATO mission in Kosovo, KFOR. Dozens of people from both sides were injured in the clashes.

KFOR: 25 soldiers were injured in the north of Kosovo
May 29, 20:25

These mayors were elected on April 23, votes that were boycotted by the local Serbian parties and population.

The EU and the United States have presented Kurti with three demands: calming the situation in the north, holding new elections in the four municipalities in the north and returning to the dialogue for the normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations.

The situation in the north of Kosovo/ Lajçak reminds Kurt of the demands during the meeting
June 6, 10:24

But, Kurti has presented a plan of five points.

1. Kurti's five-point plan for reducing tensions in the north

2. The rule of law in the four municipalities in the north, which means the identification, prosecution and fair trial of all members of the criminal groups that have attacked the Police, NATO troops and journalists

3. Violent groups should immediately withdraw from the territory of Kosovo and any criminal act against the institutions of Kosovo should be prohibited

4. The Kosovo Police, members of NATO and EULEX to carry out joint security assessments, to guarantee a safe and risk-free environment for everyone.

5. The Government of Kosovo should coordinate with all actors and announce early elections in the four municipalities in the north.
Kosovo and Serbia should return to the dialogue mediated by Brussels, and a high-level meeting should be held this week.

However, the EU has said that the Kosovar prime minister has not taken the appropriate steps to reduce tensions in the north.

The United States has also canceled Kosovo's participation in the Defender Europe 23 military exercises, calling this the first punitive measure against Kosovo for not meeting the demands of the international community./ REL