EU recalls measures removed when Kosovo takes steps for de-progress in the north

On 12 December, the Council of the European Union has adopted conclusions for each Western Balkan state, including the Republic of Kosovo.

The Council's conclusions also mention the measures the European Union has imposed on Kosovo as a result of failing to meet the High Representative's demands made public on 3 June.

The conclusion is said to be that the EU is holding in force the measures against Kosovo due to the lack of actions to de-excetify the situation in northern Kosovo and have said Brussels welcomes the fact that certain actions have been taken in that direction.

Also in the Council's conclusion, the EU is said to stand ready to remove these measures in case of progress in meeting the existing EU conditions. The council has recalled that I will overlook the issue of meeting conditions and return for treatment based on the High Representative's report, Josep Borell.

The Council recalls that in line with the High Representative's June 3rd statement on behalf of the EU, the EU is implementing returnive measures against Kosovo due to the lack of decisive actions to descale tensions in northern Kosovo. The council welcomes that Kosovo has taken steps towards meeting some of its EU requirements. The Council recalls that the EU is willing to lift measures in the event of further progress in meeting the existing EU requirements. The Council will remain in custody on this issue and will return on the basis of a report by the High Representative on meeting these requests”, the official document published on the Council of the European Union's page said.

Josep Borrell on June 3rd, 2023, had indicated the EU's demands for de-passing the situation in the north of the Republic of Kosovo.

“We expect Kosovo to act de-intensively and immediately suspend police operations in the vicinity of municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. Mayors of municipalities must temporarily carry out their duties in various objects from municipal buildings. Early elections must be announced in all four municipalities as soon as possible and fully comprehensively organised. We expect Kosovo Serbs to participate in these elections”, said in June 3rd stance