12 Civil Society Organisations Urge EU Leaders Removal of Measures on Kosovo

The letter was sent to European Council President Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, and EU Ambassador to Kosovo Aivo Orar, Periscope.

“As we understand that the European Union has had its reasons for establishing what was described as temporary and returnable measures, as civil society organisations devoted to advancing our country's European integration, we are deeply concerned about the negative impact these measures have caused on the European aspirations of Kosovo citizens”, it says on paper.

The letter states that more than two years later, “we have seen that these measures did not result in either a return or a temporary”.

“They have challenged, but not even broken, the confidence and partnership that connects Kosovo with the European Union and its ideals of principles, justice, solidarity and hope. Beyond their financial impact, these measures have discouraged reform efforts, restricted civil society's work, and reduced aid to rule of law, health and education. This situation continues to hinder Kosovo's European integration, which remains the only country on the continent with clear orientation towards the EU that has not yet received candidate status”, it said on paper.

These organisations reportedly believe that the complete and final removal of these measures at this stage is appropriate and necessary.

“While tensions have decreased and political participation has improved, the situation in the north remains complicated and requires continued commitment and confidence-building. Kosovo Serbs' participation in the recent local elections is a positive step towards restoring representation and legitimacy. The terrorist attack on Banjska and the charges against the responsible marked an important moment in dealing with criminal structures in the north. These developments, though fragile, underline that accountability and dialogue are essential for lasting security and co-operation. The EU's constructive and balanced engagement remains crucial to maintaining this progress and supporting stability for all communities”, said the letter.

The letter states that the signatory organisation believes that the circumstances that initially fostered the deployment of measures already no longer exist.

“In the case of establishing new institutions at the local level, removing the measures would convey a positive message of co-operation between the EU and Kosovo, and would further strengthen EU credibility and its engagement in the region. Therefore, we respectfully urge the European Union to consider the complete removal of remaining measures. The first steps to attract them have proved successful, and a complete return to normality would build on the positive moment created with the organisation of local elections. The people of Kosovo continue to face challenges, and the removal of these measures would offer new optimism for our European path. We are convinced that your leadership will unite all member states around the common good of the EU and Kosovo”, it says on paper.

Signatories:

Group for Jury and Political Studies (GLPS)

Kosovo European Policy Institute (EPIK)

GAP Institute for Advanced Studies

Kosovo Civil Society Foundation (KCSF)

Institute for Development Policy (INDEP)

Community Development Fund (CDF)

Kosovo Women Network (KËN)

Kosovo Institute for Justice (KLI)

FOL Movement

Centre for Training and Resources for Avoim (ATRC)

Development Democracy (D4D)

Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI)