12 minutes agoEU prepares sanctions package against Kosovo
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)The European Union has prepared initial measures, such as sanctions against Kosovo due to its ignoring calls for immediate steps by the Kosovo Government for lowering tensions in the north, teaches Free Radio Europe from diplomatic sources. Under these measures, sanctions will include suspending invitations to Kosovo's participation in events [...]
Under these measures, sanctions will include suspending invitations to 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 other sanctions are expected to include the joint work of groups that exist between Kosovo and the EU, which are 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 sanctions against Kosovo, has 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.
Otherwise, tensions in the north have increased since May 26th, when Kosovo Police helped Albanian mayors Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposaviq settle in municipal facilities despite local residents' resistance.
Tensions culminated on May 29th, when local Serbs clashed with NATO mission soldiers in Kosovo, KFOR. Dozens of people on both sides were injured in the clashes.
These leaders were elected on April 23rd, votes that were boycotted by Serb parties and local populations.
The EU and the United States have submitted three demands to Kurti: calming the situation in the north, holding new elections in four municipalities in the north, and returning to dialogue on normalising Kosovo-Serbia reports.
The United States has also cancelled Kosovo's participation in the Defender Europe 23, naming it the first penalty move against Kosovo due to the non-fulfillment of international community requirements./REL/
