EU expects more steps from Kosovo to lift measures

According to these sources, these steps Kosovo is taking “are steps in the right direction”, but in the EU they expect to see more steps.

“The measures towards Kosovo were not set so easily, they are returnable and will not last a day longer than they should. But, to their withdrawal, evidence is needed that Kosovo is taking all steps that have been required by it, and because of which these steps had also been imposed”, an EU source told Radio Free Europe.

Due to the failure to meet the requirements submitted by the European bloc, Brussels in late June began implementing several punitive measures against Kosovo.

Even in the EU, they have not responded directly to Radio Free Europe's question if reconciliation reached with Kosovo for the extension of the situation in the north of the state leads to the removal of the punitive measures Brussels has imposed on Pristina.

An EU spokesman told REL that “we have nothing to add that through a Twitter post, the high representative for foreign policy and security, Josep Borrell, when he welcomed Kosovo's commitment and expects from Kosovo other positive steps to continue advancing in this direction”.

Borrell declared on July 12th that work with Kosovo and Serbia will continue under dialogue for normalisation of reports.

“Process is continuing”, the spokesman said, recalling that EU special envoy for dialogue Miroslav Lajcak, and Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi have agreed on the first priority steps in three areas the EU requested.

“This includes the immediate reduction of police presence in and around municipal buildings, conducting regular security assessments with EULEX and KFOR as necessary, considering the possibility for further reduction of presence, not becoming any movement that could escalate the situation and encourage extraordinary elections, as well as creating the legal base for elections“, the spokesman said.

He also confirmed that Lajcak has invited Kosovo and Serbia's chief negotiators to the meeting next week to continue discussions on implementing the agreement towards normalising reports.

We expect the parties to agree on the next steps, which will enable the start of full implementation of the agreement without new delays, said the spokesman.

Tensions in the north rose in late May, when young Albanian mayors in the north, under police escort, entered municipal buildings. Serbs in the north have protested, calling for the withdrawal of Kosovo Police mayors and special units. / REL