The EC report costs particular chapter to the situation in the north: Banjska's attack constitutes the worst escalation of recent years

The European Commission has demanded from Kosovo and Serbia immediate implementation of the agreement on the road to normalisation.

The annual report recalls the parties that the Ohrid Agreement is legally binding and that formalities about its adoption should not prevent implementation.

The European Commission will publish the annual reports of each state participating in the enlargement process this afternoon. It is the most important document for countries that teach EU membership, reflecting the achievements, but also the lack of them, in key reforms in the European integration process.

The normalisation of relations is considered essential condition on the European road for both Kosovo and Serbia. Both sides are reminded that in the absence of progress, both sides risk losing significant cases.

The special chapter is dedicated to the situation in the north, where tensions remained high this year.

Kosovo is criticised for conducting activities in the north, which are described as contrary to its obligations within dialogue.

Serbia, on the other hand, is criticised for Serbia's insufficient steps to ensure responsibility for attacks in Banjska. This event, according to reports, makes the most serious escalation of the past”.

Kosovo is also required steps towards forming the Association of Serb majority municipalities, confirming last year's European proposal.

As for the application for obtaining candidate status, which Kosovo submitted in December 2022, The EC expresses readiness to prepare the opinion on this application once the EU Council requests it.

The EC in the document confirms that punitive measures against Kosovo have remained in effect, though it is acknowledged that European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell has recommended lifting these measures.

Kosovo pledged to fully implement all their respective obligations stemming from the Road to Normalisation Agreement and its Implementation Annex reached in 2023 and all past agreements.

In this year's report, the country has been positively praised for fighting organised crime and improving the business climate.

It is required by Pristina to intensify its efforts to strengthen rule of law and public administration and protect freedom of expression.

The progress report highlights that there are attempts to exercise control over the media.

The public broadcaster is also mentioned, according to the report, facing a lack of stability due to the resignations of management members and the board.

A consideration of the Law for RTK in order to ensure sustainable financing preserves media independence.