Shea: I expect EU measures against Kosovo to be removed this autumn provided there is calm in the north

He said Kurti followed the EU's advice not to open the Ibër Bridge for driving cars and says that after the bloc's new leadership is put in place, punitive measures against Kosovo could be lifted this fall. Here he also linked it to the resumption of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue in Brussels.

“Prime Minister Kurti is in Brussels this week that can certainly lobby for EU measures to be removed. He has followed the EU's advice not to reopen the Mitrovica bridge for traffic. But the new EU leadership has not yet taken office after the EU Parliament elections last June. The new commission was only appointed today. Belgrade-Pristina dialogue must resume soon. So I expect that EU measures against Kosovo will be removed later this autumn, provided there is a period of calm in the north and that Pristina will make efforts to reintegration Serbs to police, judiciary and local administration. Vuciq has called for this to happen and will be a test for him to work constructively to help implement it”, he told the public media yesterday.

On the other hand, Shea has also talked about the impact the US elections could have on both the region and Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

“The previous Trump administration has also worked to improve relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Trump even hosted a summit at the White House and appointed a special envoy to the region. Trump boasts his ability to act as peacemakers. So if he wins in the US in November, I expect him to remain committed to Kosovo. If Harris wins, I expect the support given by the Biden administration for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and for supporting Kosovo's security and the eventual transatlantic integration will continue. So, in general, I don't believe the United States will be less engaged”, he stated.