Drift-document: European Council condemns recent incidents in northern Kosovo, calls for immediate extension of the situation

It is expected at this meeting, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Thessaloniki Summit, where the promise of the European perspective of the Western Balkans is given, to repeat commitment to their EU integration. But, at the same time, concern over increased tensions in northern Kosovo is expected to express itself.

In this predominantly Serb area, local residents protest against Albanian mayors since late May.

Tensions have also culminated in violent clashes between Serb protesters and NATO mission soldiers, KFOR.

There were also reports of hand grenades and other vehicles.

Kosovo and Serbia have blamed each other for the situation.

Diplomatic sources expect European leaders to call on the two countries to immediately reduce tensions and return to dialogue on normalising relations. Unless they prove themselves willing to be discreet and constructive, they are expected to be warned about the consequences.

Free Europe Radio has also had access to a draft document expected to be adopted at the EU leaders' meeting.

According to him, the European Council is expected to seek quick measures to reduce tensions and implement the Ohrid Agreement, which is aimed at normalising Kosovo-Serbia relations.

For implementation of this agreement, the two countries have been openly hired in March.

The European Council condemns the recent incidents in northern Kosovo and calls for the immediate extension of the situation, given the key elements already displayed by the European Union, on June 3, 2023”, the draft document said.

It remembers the EU call for early elections in all four municipalities in northern Kosovo: Northern Mitrovica, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq.

“Failed to reduce tensions will have negative consequences”, this text says.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said the new elections in the north can only be held within the legal framework of the state.

At the EU summit, on 29 June and 30 June, the commitment of member countries' leaders is expected to continue the enlargement process, including the membership of Western Balkan countries in the EU.

The European Council reiterates full and independent support for the prospect of EU membership of the Western Balkans and support for accelerating the membership process”, says the draft document.

Of the six Western Balkan countries, Montenegro and Serbia have mostly advanced on their path towards the EU, as both states have opened chapters in membership negotiations.

Albania and Northern Macedonia have started negotiations on EU membership last year, while Bosnia and Herzegovina has received candidate status, as well as last year.

Kosovo, meanwhile, is the last on the road to the EU. Last December, it applied for membership in the bloc. So far, the state has signed only a contractual agreement with the EU, the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, respectively, in October 2015.