EU: The recent actions in the north may negatively affect the lifting of measures against Kosovo

The spokesperson of the European Union, Peter Stano, hinted on Tuesday, indirectly, that the recent actions of the Kosovo authorities in the north may have a negative impact on the possibility of lifting the punitive measures imposed on Kosovo more than one year ago.

"The fact that the EU imposed measures against Kosovo last year is a reflection of the steps that led to the escalation. Now we see more unilateral steps and more uncoordinated actions. This is not really an extension. This leads to further escalation. Those who make decisions in Pristina should clearly understand this", said Stano.

On August 5, the Kosovo authorities closed nine facilities of the Post of Serbia in the north of Kosovo, on the grounds that the work there was carried out without a license and without registration at the Agency for the Registration of Businesses in Kosovo (ARBK).

 

The European Union has said that the actions of the Kosovo authorities are unilateral and uncoordinated and contrary to the agreements reached between Kosovo and Serbia, in the dialogue mediated by the European bloc itself.

The United States has also reacted to the decision, saying that they are extremely disappointed with the actions taken.

As REL broadcasts, Stano reiterated on Tuesday that the Kosovo authorities should reconsider the decision and find a solution to this issue, within the dialogue.

"We have made it very clear what we expect from Kurt's Government. We expect him to examine and deal with this issue within the dialogue mediated by the EU, and to present proposals that would deal with the possible negative impact of this decision on the people of northern Kosovo", said Stano, among other things.

Asked about the possible consequences of Kosovo's application to gain candidate status for EU membership, and the removal of the measures imposed on Kosovo in 2023, Stano estimated that all these are "areas where Kosovo has problems".

Earlier in the day, the German ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, said that such actions by Kosovo risk blocking the process of Kosovo's membership in the EU.

Kosovo has applied for membership in the EU on December 15, 2022. However, this application has not yet been reviewed and consequently Kosovo remains the only country in the Western Balkans region that does not have the status of a candidate country.

On August 6, the Post of Serbia said that postal deliveries to the north of Kosovo were banned.

According to her, the Kosovo Police stopped at the border point of Jarinje, the postal deliveries that were being transported through a regular van between Rashka in Serbia and Graçanica in Kosovo.

She has called for the solution of this situation, the immediate reduction of tensions and for the unimpeded operation of postal transport in the north of Kosovo.