The European Union has not ruled out the possibility of increasing punitive measures against Kosovo due to what it describes as unilateral actions taken by the Kosovo government. EU spokesperson Peter Stano stated that the situation has not changed since the measures were first imposed in June of last year, as Pristina continues to take steps that contribute to escalating tensions in the region. He urged the Kosovo government to listen to its Western partners in order to „stop them from having to consider what kind of measures they will take in response if the situation does not change.“
Stano explained that the measures were initially imposed because „there was so much going on leading to escalation.“ He noted that instead of steps leading to de-escalation, „more and more unilateral actions and steps leading to escalations have been undertaken by these people.“
During today’s media briefing, in response to a media query, Stano addressed the latest developments in Kosovo, including the recent arrest of five Serbs in Pasjane village for alleged war crimes and the closure of Serbian postal branches in the north. Additionally, there have been ongoing efforts from the Kosovo government and Vetëvendosje regarding plans to open the bridge over the Ibar River for traffic, despite calls from the international community to refrain from such actions.
He elaborated that „the member states have not decided to act or proceed based on the report from the High Representative submitted to them a few weeks ago.“
Stano confirmed that „the measures are still in force.“
„Which is no wonder, because if you remember the measures were imposed in June last year on the administration in Pristina on the fact that there was so much going on leading to escalation. And instead of steps leading to de-escalation, more and more unilateral actions and steps leading to escalations have been undertaken by these people,“ he told the media.
He described the sanctions as „progressive measures“ that „can be scaled up or scaled down, depending on the development of the situation.“
Stano reiterated that all Western partners are advising Kosovo’s authorities to avoid engaging in „a series of counterproductive, negative, unilateral, and uncoordinated steps.“
He also reiterated the EU’s position on the closure of Serbian postal branches in the north and the potential reopening of the bridge over the Ibar: „We have made our position very clear to our counterparts in Kosovo, at many levels.“
Stano emphasized, „We have clearly communicated our position to our partners in Kosovo, in many ways, and through many partners. It is not just the European Union; essentially, all international partners of Kosovo are telling the administration in Pristina not to engage in a series of counterproductive, negative, unilateral, and uncoordinated steps. We hope that they will finally hear the message and prevent us from considering what measures we will contemplate if the situation does not change.“
Last week, all branches of Serbia’s Post Office in the North were closed, with the explanation that they lacked a license. Additionally, efforts by the Kosovo authorities to reopen the main bridge over the Ibar for traffic after 25 years have intensified.
Currently, testing is being conducted to determine whether the bridge is „stable for vehicular traffic.“
Today, four heavily loaded trucks appeared from the southern side of the main bridge. For several days now, Kosovo ministers, notably Dželjalj Svečlja and Eljbert Krasnići, have been inspecting the bridge, while workers on both sides are carrying out repainting work. The Municipality of North Mitrovica, with the support of the government in Pristina and considerable media interest, held a public discussion today on multi-ethnic cooperation at the municipal security committee and on the collaboration between institutions and civil society in promoting this idea.
However, the news of the day also includes the arrest of Serbian Democracy leaders Aleksandar Arsenijević and Stefan Veljković, who attempted to prevent the repainting of the Serbian tricolor at the „Braća Milić“ Square. After several hours, they were released.
Currently, the Quint countries, the EU, and KFOR oppose the reopening of the bridge. They emphasize that resolving the issue should be handled through the Brussels dialogue and existing agreements.
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