Stano: EU is implementing measures against Kosovo because it has not taken necessary steps

Stano said that the work of the organs of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement has been temporarily suspended, as has been decided not to invite Kosovo to high-level events, bilateral visits will be interrupted, except for those aimed at resolving the crisis in the north under dialogue with EU support.

“Programming funds for Kosovo under the IPA 2024 programming has also been put on hold. Proposals submitted by Kosovo under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (VBIF) have not been submitted for review by the Board V BIF on June 29th-30th”, he said. Stano and added that authorities in Pristina have been notified of these measures on June 28th.

He added that these measures are temporary and completely returnable, depending on the development of the situation on the ground and decisions on the despass taken by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

“The EU is also watching carefully whether Serbia meets our requirements and is willing to take measures in case of a” gap, Stano said.

He reiterated that the situation in the north is a serious concern for Brussels and stressed that instability, tensions and violence cannot be allowed.

“We condemned the violence and continue to call on both sides to immediately de-terrest. We expect Kosovo to act decomposingly and immediately suspend police operations near municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. Mayors of municipalities must temporarily carry out their duties in other objects, not in municipal buildings. Early elections should be announced as soon as possible in all four municipalities and organise them in a completely comprehensive manner”, Stano said.

He adds that this implies the full and unconditional participation of Kosovo Serbs in the elections.