EU enlargement ministers' conclusions merit: Kosovo urged to start without delay founding association

The European Union's General Affairs Council at the member states' meeting has approved conclusions Tuesday in Brussels dedicated to the enlargement process.

Through them, EU member states have reiterated their commitment to continuing the enlargement process, based on the principle of individual merits of countries aimed at EU integration, but have also urged them to continue the reform process, as well as to resolve bilateral differences.

The European Union, through these conclusions, has called on both Kosovo and Serbia without delay and without preconditions to implement the Agreement on the road towards normalising their reports, reminding them that this is also the condition for their progress in the EU integration process.

Kosovo in particular is required to start establishing the Association of Serb-run municipalities without delay, while Serbia is required to start recognising Kosovo documents and symbols.

The Council reiterates that the agreement on the road to normalisation of reports between Kosovo and Serbia and the annex for implementation, adopted in February and March 2023, should be respected and implemented as quickly as possible, without preconditions, as well as all other obligations from the EU, as well as all existing obligations from the” dialogue, said in this document underlining the call that concerns creation of association.

“This includes the establishment of the Association/Unibility of Serb majority municipalities, starting with the submission of the draft Statu, which the EU facilitator had introduced through the Kosovo Government's decision, to the Constitutional Court of Kosovo without new delays of”, it says, among other things.

In these conclusions, the EU will once again condemn violence in northern Kosovo, including recent attacks on the Iber-Lepenci channel, but also last year's attacks on Banjska and express deep regret that Serbia has not taken sufficient steps to bring those responsible to justice.

The Council remains deeply concerned about the situation in northern Kosovo. Kosovo and Serbia must take steady steps to enforce, refrain from unilateral and provocative actions that could lead to tensions and violence, and avoid divisive rhetoric”, the document says.

Through these conclusions the EU has said the measures against Kosovo will be taken in parallel with the steps Kosovo should take to reduce tensions in the north.

A reminder for Kosovo and Serbia is stressed that their path towards the EU depends on progress in the process of normalising the reports and that lack of this progress will affect them losing the right case.

“In accordance with the High Representative's statement on behalf of the EU, the EU has implemented the returning measures towards Kosovo. The EU will gradually remove these measures parallel to Kosovo's other steps to defuse the situation in the north. The council will remain dealing with this matter”, the document is highlighted.

Meanwhile, EU countries have welcomed the closure of three chapters in the negotiations process with Montenegro and the opening of a group with Albania.

As for Serbia, even though the Hungarian presidency and the European Commission have made maximum efforts to open the chapter 3, this has not happened since some states have blocked this decision. Serbia is reminded that to advance towards the EU, it needs to make more progress, especially in the area of rule of law, but also in normalising reports with Kosovo.

Serbia has not opened a chapter since December 2021. In conclusions, the EU says it will return to opening chapters with Serbia once Belgrade signs progress on these points.

As a compromise, EU countries have agreed that Serbia will be sent a letter from the Hungarian presidency, through which they invite Belgrade to present the negotiating position for the chapters in question. This is a symbolic step, but it does not foresee the openings of chapters, since reconciliation of all European Union member states is needed again. / REL