EU: Borell has contacted Kurti and Vucinqi, parties to ease tensions immediately

From yesterday, the Kosovo government is implementing the measure of reciprocity with temporary license plates for citizens of Serbia entering Kosovo. This decision has been met with protests by Serbian citizens in northern Kosovo, blocking the road leading to the Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings, which continues today.

For the created situation, EU spokesman Peter Stano said they have addressed the issue at all levels while urging the parties to refrain from unilateral acts.

Stano also said that EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borelli has contacted the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia, Albin Kurtin and Aleksandar Vucinj, respectively.

We already said yesterday that freedom of movement is a cornerstone of the European Union. As such, we expect Kosovo and Serbia to promote freedom of movement in the region. We continue to constantly monitor the situation on the ground and call on both sides to show restraint, refrain from further unilateral actions and to reduce tensions immediately. We're working actively to address the situation at all levels. High Representative Borrell was in contact with President Vucic and Prime Minister Kurti last night, and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčac is still in Belgrade, continuing to work with both sides”, Stano told Express on Tuesday.

The EU spokesman further said the EU expects the parties to address the issue of license plates in the dialogue mediated by them.

“We call on both sides to use EU facilitated dialogue as a platform to address and resolve all open issues between them, including freedom of movement and license. We are willing to wait for a meeting in Brussels at any time”, he said.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti told the QUINT ambassadors that the decision on Serbia's plates is neither provocation nor discrimination.

Meanwhile, Serbian President Vuciq has held a Security Council meeting today, while demanding that Kosovo withdraw police from the north or face measures without clarifying what measures it will take.

The EU's special representative in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, expressed concern about the situation established in the north following the Kosovo Government's decision to impose reciprocity measures for Serbia's vehicles.

“I informed the EU Mission Chiefs of the situation in northern Kosovo. I'm worried and I'm calling for an immediate breach. It is important to reduce tensions, restore peaceful atmosphere, and allow freedom of movement. We stand ready to facilitate talks on all open issues of dialogue”, Lajcak wrote.