Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo Donika Gërvalla described the measures taken by the European Union against Kosovo as “unnecessary”, emphasizing that they convey a “dangerous message”.
The European bloc has warned that they will announce measures against Pristina this week because, according to Brussel, the latter has not taken steps to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo, which is predominantly inhabited by Serbs.
“We believe that such measures are unnecessary because it is very important that in such a situation, the message is sent clearly and without any possibility of misunderstanding to those who have initiated disturbances in the northern part of Kosovo, in our four municipalities,” said Gërvalla.
The Kosovar diplomat stated that these decisions from Brussels are sending “dangerous messages” to Belgrade.
“Personally, I think that such messages are dangerous because they may create the impression to Serbian President [Aleksandar] Vučić that he can continue in the same manner, destabilizing not only Kosovo but also all the other neighboring countries,” Gërvalla declared on June 30.
Among the punitive measures expected to be taken is the suspension of the work of all working groups for the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Additionally, it has been announced that funding for EU programs will be suspended, projects from the Investment Fund for the Western Balkans may not be approved, and political meetings will be suspended.
European officials have stated that these measures were “not taken easily” and can be lifted if Kosovo takes steps towards de-escalating the situation.
Tensions in northern Kosovo, predominantly inhabited by Serbs, have been escalating since the end of May. Local Serbs are opposing the newly elected Albanian mayors, who were elected on April 23 in elections boycotted by the Serb population.
The EU has presented several requests to the Government of Kosovo regarding the de-escalation of the situation. One of them is the holding of snap elections in the northern part of the country; Kurti to withdraw special units of the Kosovo Police from the areas around municipal facilities, where they are currently stationed; temporary relocation of elected Albanian mayors to alternative buildings rather than municipal ones, and a return to dialogue for the normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations.
