Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti presented a plan this morning to open the Mitrovica bridge over the Ibar River to diplomats from the Quint countries and the European Union. The meeting, which took place with ambassadors from the United States, France, Italy, and the European Union, as well as deputies from the British and German embassies, focused on the potential reopening of the bridge.
The ambassadors present included Jeffrey Hovenier of the U.S., Olivier Guerot of France, Antonello De Riu of Italy, Tomas Szunyog of the EU, and deputies Paul O’Connor from the UK and Matthias Konrad from Germany.
Following the meeting, Hovenier conveyed the Quint’s stance, stating that the governments represented cannot support any changes to the current status of the Mitrovica bridge at this time.
“Good morning. On instructions from our capitals, representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the US met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti today to inform him that our governments, in consultation with NATO, cannot support any change to the current status of the Mitrovica bridge at this time,“ Hovenier said.
The Kosovan government highlighted that today marks eight years since discussions were held on August 2, 2016, in Brussels regarding the implementation of the Mitrovica bridge agreement. The European Union’s plan for the bridge involves its opening for both pedestrians and vehicles in both directions.
The Kosovan government’s plan presented today includes several key components:
Assessment of the bridge’s infrastructural stability and risk evaluation; Visual revitalization of the bridge with access for all; Discussions with citizens and interest groups; A comprehensive informational campaign about the benefits and objectives of reopening the bridge.
The government views the Mitrovica bridge as a symbol of normalization and integration. “According to the EU’s revitalization plan, the Mitrovica bridge over the Ibar will become a symbol of normalization in Kosovo,” the Kosovan government stated. They emphasized that the bridge should be opened as it serves all citizens and is a representation of freedom of movement, a core value of the European Union.
Kosovo’s Progress Report
During the meeting, Kosovo officials also discussed the overall situation in the four northern municipalities, highlighting recent progress. They reported that the “Government for Families” initiative has supported the employment of 231 individuals in these areas. Additionally, there has been increased interest from the Serbian community in obtaining Kosovan documents. This interest, the officials claimed, demonstrates a „willingness for sustainable integration among these citizens“.
The European Union reiterated that the reopening of the bridge remains a matter for dialogue, a point emphasized by EU spokesperson Peter Stano. However, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani disagreed with this characterization, suggesting a different perspective on the issue.
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