Why is the EU asking that the Ibër Bridge be discussed again in Brussels?

Dialogue process recognisers say it doesn't make much sense that European Union now wants to bring back to the process Bridge opening issue over the Iber River for driving, for which Kosovo and Serbia have reached agreement several years ago.

The bridge over the Iber River divides South Mitrovica, inhabited by Albanian majority from Northern Mitrovica, with Serb majority.

Since reaching agreement in 2014, The EU had repeatedly demanded that the bridge be opened without delay and no other obstacles.

Only in 2023 report The European Commission for Kosovo, on the bridge issue, had added the sentence that “for any decision to open the bridge should have reconciliation and co-ordination in the dialogue”.

Engjellushe Morina of the Berlin-based European Council for Foreign Relations says against handling this issue in Brussels dialog.

I don't think a case that has just been discussed should be opened again. Therefore, I think the bridge issue should remain outside the” dialogue, it tells Radio Free Europe.

Meanwhile, the journalist reporting from Brussels, Augustin Palocaj, tells Radio Free Europe that the EU's request at this moment does not seem to have much meaning, as it is not known whether and when there will be an upcoming dialogue meeting, while in Brussels they are waiting for the task of taking over the bloc's new structures and seeing how to deal with dialogue.

He considers that Miroslav Lajcak, since he is in the last months of the mandate, “is not expected to have any important role or even any power to convince the parties to agree on such a case”.

Meanwhile, Morina says that EU demand, which for the bridge to be discussed in Brussels, may have been influenced by several factors, including Security Concerns, but adds that this could also be the result of Serbia's “discontent in Kosovo and pressure received from Belgrade that each issue should receive Green light from Belgrade”, adding that the bloc also has pressure from states that do not recognise Kosovo.

But, Palocaj thinks the EU, as well, is interested in preserving the status quo, “that would continue if the bridge did not open”.

However the EU's interest to have discussions within dialogue lies only in order to preserve calm in the north and prevent new tensions”, he points out.

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi said on August 14th that opening the bridge on Iber is not an unresolved question of dialogue, but is the key “of the agreement reached in Brussels.

According to him, the EU's minister for dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, has told Kosovo in June that if Kosovo does not want this issue to be discussed in Brussels, it should conduct internal discussions with local Serbs to address security implications, meanwhile, the QUINT has requested technical inspections.

Bislimi said Kosovo has followed these recommendations.

Lajcak named it “danger” Statements that the bloc opposes opening the bridge. He said that “taking a decision against the will of the affected people does not contribute to normalisation of relations”, repeating that the next meeting will be discussed in implementing the bridge agreement. But he did not mention any date for such a meeting.

Security Concerns

Kosovo Government's Goal of Opening Bridge Has Faced in opposite From local Serbs, Serbia and the international community.

Local Serbs have expressed fear for their safety, but in debate Organised by the North Mitrovica municipality and the Kosovo government, institutions have guaranteed security in the event of the bridge's opening.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Havenier told REL on 13 August that The opening of the bridge at this time presents real danger, which could affect the security of NATO mission soldiers in Kosovo, KFOR.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said Thursday that Kosovo shouldn't ask Serbia for opening bridge Within Kosovo's territory, and should not be agreed to discuss the issue in Brussels' dialogue.

According to her, the EU's recent statements on the topic are <x0racist” and that Kosovo should be fully co-ordinated with the United States as far as opening the bridge.

For Engjelouse Morina, opening the bridge is nothing bad “if no one's security risks”.

“I don't see now that the opening of the bridge can cause a type incident Banjskaor May. I don't know, but I don't see the security situation going on in this direction”, she says.

KFOR, which has presence on the Ibri Bridge, has demanded that the issue of its opening be discussed in the dialogue.

This mission, too, has said that won't hesitate act to respond to any development that could affect regional security and stability.

This KFOR position has been welcomed by Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vuchevic. But, he added, he believes the Government of Kosovo is planning “ta opens the bridge by force”.

Both Morina and Palockaj say that if Kosovo opens the bridge without international consent, it would irritate the reports with them. But Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on August 14th that Advise continuing and co-ordination with international partners on this issue.

Kosovo, Serbia achieved Bridge opening agreement in 2014. The Pact predicted “the realisation of the” bridge or the removal of barricades set up by local Serbs in 2011, which were replaced by 2014 concrete walls.

They left in 2016 when the bridge was supposed to open for circulation.

That same year, reconciliation was reached on the agreement's implementation plan, envisioning the opening of the bridge in January 2017. /rel