8 hours agoEU starts lifting measures against Kosovo, but process remains conditional
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)Even though European diplomacy chief Kaya Kallas warned the launch of removing European Union measures towards Kosovo, there is not yet much detail as to what specific measures are abolished at this stage. Official statements only confirm the readiness of European institutions to start a gradual process of lifting the measures. [...]
Even though European diplomacy chief Kaya Kallas warned the launch of removing European Union measures towards Kosovo, there is not yet much detail as to what specific measures are abolished at this stage.
Official statements only confirm the readiness of European institutions to start a gradual process of lifting the measures.
The high representative has raised the issue during her recent visit to Kosovo last week. It announced that the EU has begun gradually removing measures imposed in June 2023. And this is conditional on the continuation of the steps towards de-tradition in the north”, said Anitta Hyper, EU spokeswoman.
What is being taught unofficially is that at the moment measures that had banned Kosovo's participation in subcommittee meetings under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, as well as technical assistance from the Financial Framework for the Western Balkans, RTK writes.
This implies that removing the measures is more symbolic than essential, since European projects from which Kosovo benefited financially have not yet been unblocked in the same way as before 2023.
European officials explain the removal process is gradual and returnable. The idea in Brussels is to move, as it says, step by step: if de escalation continues in northern Kosovo, then other measures could be gradually removed. /Periscope/
