a minute agoEU: Prepare immediate action against Kosovo
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)European Union spokesman Peter Stano has confirmed that member states have agreed to impose immediate measures on Kosovo, but have said they are not sanctions. The measures, according to Stanos, are those reported a day ago as sanctions in the media. As he has said, the measures are reversed depending on the steps [...]
The measures, according to Stanos, are those reported a day ago as sanctions in the media. As he has said, the measures are reversed depending on the steps Prime Minister Albin Kurti takes for the suspension of the situation.
“Let me clarify one thing. There are no sanctions. The EU imposes sanctions as restrictive measures based on clear legal framework defined by member states, following a long process of discussions on the Council. There are sanctions on Kosovo, that's one thing. The second thing, because of the recent transition we have witnessed since the beginning of this month, 27 EU member states unanimously said they expect very clearly -- the clear request from the EU towards Kosovo and Serbia -- to break down the recent tensions, especially in northern Kosovo”, Stano has said.
As Stano has said, the measures will include suspending invitations for Kosovo's participation in high-level events and bilateral visits by the European Union and member states. The meetings will only take place when they must be held to focus on addressing the crisis in northern Kosovo and steps to find solutions.
The next move is expected to include the joint work of groups existing between Kosovo and the EU, which were created under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (MSA).
The meeting of a sub-commission, the one for trade, industry, customs and tax, which was due to be held on June 8th, but has not been developed. The next meeting, which is expected to be suspended, is that of June 21st and 22nd, the justice, freedom and security commission.
There will also be financial consequences for Kosovo. A significant suspension of EU financing is planned for several projects for which Kosovo has provided proposals under the investment Fund for the Western Balkans.
The EU, as a move towards Kosovo, has also seen it lower the level of public presence in joint developments and events attended by members of the Government of Kosovo. The move is expected to include meetings within financial co-operation.
Stano has said the EU has made it clear that if there is no enlargement of the situation, there will be consequences.
We need to move from crisis management to a sustainable process. Silence should be turned north”, he said.
