PRISHTINA, July 17 /ATA/ – Despite expectations and suggestions that the punitive measures imposed by the European Union against Kosovo will be lifted, at least gradually, this has yet to happen.
The punitive measures imposed by the European Union against Kosovo last summer – including suspension of meetings at political levels – arguing that Kosovo has failed to take sufficient steps to de-escalate the situation in the Serb-majority north.
Tensions in this area have been simmering since the Kosovo government installed Albanian mayors in the Serb-dominated municipalities in the country’s north at the end of May 2023.
The recommendation to lift the measures was forwarded by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Josep Borrell, in June, citing the steps Kosovo has taken to deliver on the conditions for their removal.
However, the European External Action Service (EEAS) continues consultations with member states, trying to agree on the text of a statement announcing the lifting of measures.
Diplomatic sources indicate a split among EU countries, with most them agreeing on lifting the sanctions, some advocating partial lifting, and others demanding a clause allowing automatic reinstatement if Kosovo takes unilateral actions that escalate tensions.
EU spokesperson Peter Stano confirmed Borrell sent a report to member states in June, recommending lifting the sanctions.
However – Stano went on saying – the report’s contents remain confidential.
According to Radio Free Europe, the report acknowledged Kosovo’s steps towards meeting EU demands and suggested the European Council consider removing the sanctions while maintaining institutional prerogatives.
/REL/u.sh/
