Following the debate in the European Parliament on the rising tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, Greens MEP and rapporteur for Kosovo, Viola von Cramon, told Inside Albania host, Alice Taylor that the EU’s patience with Serbia is running thin.
“That there are concerns about stability in the Western Balkans, the state of security, and the threats that primarily come from Serbia, as well as the lack of political will to find a solution. It is clear this time that patience with President Vučić is wearing thin.”
While there will be no sanctions against Serbia following the September 24 attack in Banjska, which resulted in the tragic death of a Kosovo Police officer and the killing of three attackers, von Cramon did confirm that measures have already been drafted.
“I wouldn’t call them sanctions because they need approval from the Council, and this is not the case for Kosovo, nor will it be for Serbia. But we are talking about political and financial measures, limited access to IPA funds, which will undoubtedly harm the Serbian Government,” von Cramon explained.
“The measures have been drafted now. They could be political, financial, or related to accession negotiations. We have many tools at our disposal, and we know it’s not in President Vučić’s interest, especially since he called for elections in December, for things to slip out of his control,” the German MEP further added.
Von Cramon did admit though, that while a thorough investigation is necessary to clarify exactly what went on September 24, it is hard to believe that the Serbian President had no idea of what would transpire. However, he is responsible for ensuring transparency on the matter.
“Imagine that President Vučić is in control of many things happening in Serbia. It’s hard to believe he was unaware of what was happening concerning the purchase of arms or the organization of the aggressive group. Now it’s in his hands to ensure a proper investigation and transparency about what happened.”
“What happened, how did armored vehicles with weapons and military equipment make it to the north? Who is behind this, and which criminal groups are still hiding there? Was this really orchestrated by Serbia, or was the responsibility solely Milan Radojičić, as he claimed? We are not yet clear. I would say Serbia has no interest in a larger military attack, in any kind of war. At least that’s what I’ve understood from reactions coming from Belgrade. But clearly, many things went wrong, and stability is at risk,” von Cramon elaborated.
The German MEP and rapporteur for Kosovo highlighted the need for both parties to return to the EU facilitated dialogue, but only after Serbia has clarified the events of September 24.
“There are demands from the Commission and institutions for clarity about what happened and a proper investigation into those who organized the attack. We hope to see constructive behavior and a step-by-step approach. As for Kosovo, it’s in our interest to return to a constructive dialogue, but only after Serbia has clarified what happened on September 24. There’s no doubt about that.”
Von Cramon called on both parties to deliver what they have agreed during previous meetings in Brussels.
“I hope the EU will demand that President Vučić signs the Ohrid Agreement to ensure he’s not just talking. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us here and for the people in Kosovo to believe that he is genuinely interested in getting something from the dialogue. Simultaneously, and this is very important, there must be an engagement regarding the Association of Serb Municipalities. There is no doubt about that. Signature means business, and what was signed by Kosovo in 2013, must also be finalized.”
In 2013, Kosovo and Serbia initially reached an agreement on the Association, followed by further agreements in 2015 outlining its foundational principles.
However, in 2015, Kosovo’s Constitutional Court ruled that these agreements were not entirely aligned with the country’s constitution.
Serbia continues to call for Kosovo to implement the previously reached agreements, while the Kosovo Government has voiced opposition to the creation of an ethnically-based association.
In recent times, the international community has heightened its pressure on Kosovo to expedite the formation of this Association.
The German MEP disclosed that there is a new proposal being drafted by diplomats on how things can move forward after the Banjska attack.
“I can’t provide more details on that at the moment. But Serbia has undoubtedly destroyed everything it could, so for now, everyone is waiting for Serbia to do its part. Next, after we’ve seen how the attack will be treated, hopefully in a logical manner, then we can talk about the right step towards dialogue. I hope this will be a balanced approach or at least a demonstration of political will,” von Cramon concluded.
