Which of the punishment measures has the EU started to lift Kosovo?

Until Kallas explained when the removal of the measures began and what measures may have been taken so far, Radio Free Europe Reporting through its sources in Brussels that the measures that have been removed concern the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (MSA) and the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans, it broadcasts Periscope.

According to sources, the work of some SAA subcommittee has now begun, as well as the provision of technical assistance within the Western Balkans' Investment Framework.

The Western Balkans' investment framework is the joint initiative of the EU, financial institutions and donors, aimed at developing socio-economic and European perspective of Western Balkan countries.

Kosovo has been supported by this mechanism since 2009. By 2021, 30 projects worth 1.8 billion euros were supported in Kosovo by this mechanism.

These measures began to be removed from the EU Foreign Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission after discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council in April, the source says.

The decision comes after the peaceful development of parliamentary elections in Kosovo early this year. As the High Representative [Kallas] said, this process is gradual and conditioned with continued progress towards extension”, the source stresses.

EEAS and the Commission are now implementing this decision, keeping member states informed.

The basis for this decision was the EU Council's conclusions from December 2024, under which the EU would be ready to begin gradual removal of the measures, in parallel with the steps of deployment to northern Kosovo, according to the source.

Kallas warned during her visit to Pristina that, until this decision opens the door for greater opportunities for Kosovo's development even for closer ties with Europe, it depends on lower tensions in the north.

The EU imposed punitive measures against Kosovo in 2023 after increasing tensions in the country's north.

Kallas said that the closure of the Serb parallel institutions in northern Kosovo by Kosovo authorities “is undermining” efforts towards stressing the situation.

Kosovo authorities have closed a series of Serb parallel institutions in recent weeks, which they say are illegal.

Details on the masses have never been made known, not even when they have been communicated.

But, among other EU measures, there were also no invitations to Kosovo in high-level events and bilateral visits have been suspended, in addition to those focusing on addressing the crisis in northern Kosovo within the framework of EU facilitated dialogue.

Other measures are suspension of Kosovo funding programme under IPA 2024 (Pre-membership funds). /Radio Free Europe