The United States Ambassador to Pristina, Jeff Hovenier, has requested the governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo, Ahmet Ismaili, to postpone the implementation of the decision to use only the euro currency regarding cash operations.

The same request was made by the USA days earlier.

The regulation approved by the Central Bank of Kosovo, seen by Serbs in Kosovo as a decision that will prevent them from using the dinar, is scheduled to come into force on February 1.

“Today I had a productive meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo, Ahmet Ismaili. I reiterated U.S. concerns about the implementation of the amended regulation on cash operations. We urge that enforcement be postponed to allow time for effective transition and public communication to mitigate negative impact on citizens,” wrote Hovenier on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Today I had a productive meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo, Ahmet Ismaili. I reiterated U.S. concerns about the implementation of the amended regulation on cash operations. We urge that enforcement be postponed to allow ample time for effective transition… pic.twitter.com/MuVgxoxzC3

— Ambassador Jeff Hovenier (@USAmbKosovo) January 29, 2024

The meeting between Ambassador Hovenier and Governor Ismaili came a day after the QUINT states – the USA, Britain, Germany, Italy, and France – made the same request to postpone the implementation of the decision on the regulation for cash operations.

The Government of Kosovo has argued that the decision of the Central Bank is in line with the Constitution of Kosovo, but the QUINT stated that this decision “raises concerns about its particular impact on Serb-majority communities”.

Meanwhile, the European Union has earlier stated that it has sought clarification from Kosovo on this decision, which, according to the Serb List – the main party of Serbs in Kosovo, enjoying the support of Serbia – risks the survival of Serbs in Kosovo.

In Kosovo, in all Serbian-majority areas, the population uses the Serbian dinar to make payments, and those working in Serbian institutions in Kosovo also receive their salaries in dinars.

Pensions are also paid in dinars according to the Serbian system, as well as child benefits and social assistance.

In commercial establishments in areas where Serbs live in Kosovo, besides euros, the dinar is also used.