Eight months under EU punitive measures, no movement to lift them

Despite Kosovo's readiness for a decompression of the situation in the country's north, including the steps for new elections there, there is still no EU movement in the direction of the removal of punitive measures.

The ruling party's MP, the Vetevendosje Movement, Arber Rexaj, says there is no reason for Kosovo to be under punitive measures, while praising that their removal is conditioned on the establishment of the majority Serb Communist Association.

I don't think it's the question of elections because citizens in the north are now collecting signatures... and, by their will, heads can dismiss... I don't think there's any reason for Kosovo to stay these measures. The least it has to do is remove measures against Kosovo and place Serbia. The key problem is not implementing association by the government, which is fully entitled...”, Rexaj said.

The opposition, meanwhile, does not expect EU measures to be removed at this stage. PDK chairmanship member Zenun Pajaziti criticises the government on the issue, praising that the consequences of these penalties are great.

We don't know how long this government's vision will last. This government is that it follows a clear vision for the country, follows the populist agenda for its” votes, Pajaziti said.

Kosovo's punitive measures were imposed after increasing tensions in the north at the end of May last year. / RTV21