Stano: Removal of Kosovo measures still under consideration

The issue of the measures is still under consideration in the Council. This means that it is being debated and will be decided by EU member states, regardless of when the mandate of current European institutions” expires, said EU spokesman Peter Stano.

Although there is no member state of the European Union that is fundamentally against removing the measures imposed on Kosovo, however, they continue to be in force as a result of disagreements on how to move further along with the process.

The issue of measures against Kosovo has recently been addressed at the meeting of ambassadors of member states, but there has been no movement in understanding of decision-making.

The well-informed sources from this meeting have indicated that no member state has been firm against the removal. Most are favourable in removing measures, but continue divisions about how to go away: with full or gradual removal.

Always according to these sources, there is a group of states that, however, consider the removal of measures at this moment to be, reportedly contradictory, considering the actions of Kosovo authorities in the north of the country, which Brussels has described as uncoordinated.

The European Union has imposed measures against Kosovo in June 2023 in response to actions in the north. Their removal has recommended European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell, a year later, in June of this year. As one diplomatic source put it, member states are continuing to be brought into a vicious circle where, six months after the recommendation for their removal, discussions are continuing, but the decision is still not.