Von Croamon: Reason for EU measures on Kosovo no longer exists

The reason for the restrictive measures no longer exists. Kosovo has done its part to escalate the situation in the north since May 2023. And, furthermore, the measures in force have not been proportional since September of last year since the attack on Banjska. The European Parliament has clearly and overwhelmingly demanded the removal of measures, and I personally support the removal of measures immediately”, Von Cromon has said about Callo.

She has stressed that the ball is now “in the EU field”. “As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing else to be done by the Kosovo side in this direction -- the ball is now in the EU field” -- it is expressed.

Von Croamon has considered that the <x0ferendium” of April 21st was a good opportunity for Serbian citizens to regain control of local governance, but they did not exploit it.

“Processes in northern Kosovo since last April have been very painful and harmful for mutual trust between the government and the local Serb community. This referendum was the opportunity for Serbs to regain control of local governance, but this option was unfortunately lost and I am very sorry”, she said.

Despite what authorities in Kosovo say, The EU has declared that the outcome of the voting process at 21.04.2024, in four municipalities in northern Kosovo, does not contribute to lowering tensions.

The EU has stressed that that process has not helped pave the way for the return of Serbs to Kosovo institutions, “what is essential for normalising relations”.

The EU has stressed it regrets that Serbs have not exploited the right to vote for mayors.

“The EU expresses regret that Kosovo Serbs in northern Kosovo did not use the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and elect mayors who would truly be representatives. The result does not contribute to easing tensions and paving the way for Serbs to return to Kosovo institutions, which is essential for normalising relations”, EU spokesman Peter Stano has said.

Without specifying time, Stano has said the Council will discuss the penalty measures imposed on Kosovo. In 21.04.2024 in the four municipalities in the north, northern Mitrovica, Zvecan, Zubin-Potk Leposaviq has been organised vote for the dismissal of mayors. The Central Election Commission has announced that during the polls for or against the departure of Leposaviqi's mayors Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica, only 253 citizens have voted, until Zvecan no one - calling the process a failure. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti have immediately called for the removal of measures the EU has imposed on Kosovo last year with the claim that it has not done enough to reduce tensions in the north.

While, according to the Government, regardless of the result, the obligation Kosovo has had has been fulfilled. Removing the measures has also called for opposition parties in the country. The EU had imposed punitive measures on Kosovo last summer, arguing it had not done enough for the extension of the situation in northern Kosovo in May 2023. At the time, local Serbs protested in front of municipal buildings in Leposaviq, Zvecan and Zubin Potok against new leaders, and the situation escalated into violence.

Von Croamon: If Kosovo and Serbia benefit most from failure to comply, something can hardly be done in Brussels