The ambassadors of the QUINT states have requested Kosovo to suspend the implementation of the regulation of the Central Bank of Kosovo, which stipulates that the sole currency for payments in Kosovo should be the euro.
Through a joint statement, the QUINT ambassadors stated that the suspension of the decision should be made to “enable a sufficient transition period and for clear and effective public communication”.
“The issue should be further discussed within the framework of dialogue facilitated by the European Union,” the statement said.
The QUINT ambassadors said that the regulation of the Central Bank of Kosovo for cash operations, expected to come into force on February 1, aims to reduce counterfeit money and maintain financial stability but also “raises concerns regarding its specific impact on Serb-majority communities”.
“We are concerned about the impact of the regulation particularly on schools and hospitals, for which no alternative process seems applicable at the moment. The regulation will also have a direct impact on the daily lives of the overwhelming majority of Serbs in Kosovo who receive payments/financial aid from Serbia,” said the QUINT ambassadors’ statement.
The QUINT includes the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Representatives of these states met on January 26 with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, to discuss this issue.
According to the announcement, during this meeting Kurti requested that the QUINT ambassadors respect the decision of the Central Bank of Kosovo.
“Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the importance of respecting the constitutionality and legality in the country by everyone and at the same time respecting independent authorities, in this case, the Central Bank,” the Prime Minister Office’s announcement said.
Earlier, Washington also called for Kosovo to reconsider the decision, which would prevent Serbs living in Kosovo from using the Serbian dinar to make dinar transactions.
Meanwhile, the European Union has stated that it has sought clarifications from Kosovo regarding this decision.
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 salaries in dinars.
Pensions are also paid in dinars, according to the Serbian system, as well as child allowances and social benefits.
In commercial establishments in areas where Serbs live in Kosovo, besides euros, the dinar is also used.
The Serb List, the main party of Serbs in Kosovo, supported by official Belgrade, has opposed this decision of the Central Bank of Kosovo, which would prevent the use of the dinar. According to this party, the decision jeopardizes the survival of Serbs in Kosovo.
