Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called the punitive measures by the European Union “unjust” and expressed hope that they will be short-lived because “Kosovo is a country that needs support in its development”.
Kurti’s statement comes a day after a spokesperson for the European Union confirmed to Radio Free Europe that the measures had been communicated to the Kosovo government since 28 June 28, as a result of the EU’s assessment that Kosovo had not taken the required steps to reduce tensions in the north.
Kurti stated that he would continue with his government program, adding that he “cannot compromise with the rule of law or the constitution of the country”.
“These are not sanctions. However, it is true that these are temporary but unfair measures because Kosovo and its government are both a democratic pro-European and progressive state and executive,” said Kurti.
He added, “We hope that these temporary measures will be very short so that European support and assistance can be complete and possibly increased.”
In response to Radio Free Europe, a spokesperson for the EU listed the punitive measures imposed on Kosovo.
They include the temporary suspension of the work of bodies created based on the Stabilization and Association Agreement, Kosovo’s exclusion from high-level meetings, and the suspension of bilateral visits, except those focused on addressing the crisis in northern Kosovo within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue.
Other measures include the cessation of programming funds for Kosovo from IPA 2024 (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance). Kosovo’s proposals within the framework of the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans were not submitted for review by the board on 29 and 30 June.
These measures were publicly announced on 27 June. During the Kosovo government meeting held on 29 June, Kurti stated that Kosovo has been critical of the EU on several occasions but “never cynical or resentful”. He added that the authorities are not resentful even after the imposition of the punitive measures.
The EU states that they are also monitoring Serbia’s behavior, and there is a possibility that measures may be taken against Serbia if it does not act according to expectations to de-escalate the situation.
Tensions in northern Kosovo, predominantly inhabited by Serbs, started on 26 May when newly elected Albanian mayors of Zvečan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavić entered municipal buildings escorted by the Kosovo Police.
Serbs opposed this and have since been protesting, demanding the removal of the new mayors and special police units.
The international community has presented three main requests to Kurti: calming the situation in the north, holding snap elections in the four northern municipalities, and returning to the dialogue for the normalization of Kosovo-Serbia relations.
Meanwhile, Belgrade has requested that it ensures that Serbs can participate unconditionally in any potential local elections.
Kurti has presented a five-point plan that also includes holding new elections, but he has stated that the rule of law is needed for their implementation.
