The United States and the European Union are considering two phases of measures against Kosovo unless it complies its obligations and does not deescalate the situation in the north.<\/p>\n
The first phase of sanctions would see the freezing of EU funds, the visa liberalization process, the membership process for the Council of Europe, US funds, and other Western-funded projects.<\/p>\n
Phase two would see Kosovo\u2019s allies taking a passive attitude towards Serbia\u2019s derecognition campaign against Kosovo, reorganization of the international military presence and a serious reduction of the American contingent, and exclusion of Kosovo from certain international organizations.<\/p>\n
It also foresees individual sanctions against Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Interior Minister Sve\u00e7la, should the situation on the ground deteriorate further. This could include both being declared \u201cnon grata with the justification that they pose a threat to security and peace\u201d.<\/p>\n
The document states that \u201cthe transatlantic community has a vital need not to allow a crisis center behind the lines of contact with Russia\u2026 With the launch of the Franco-German plan, there was a conviction that problems would arise with the Serbian side, as a stubborn and unconstructive side.\u201d<\/p>\n
It continues, \u201cno one expected that it will be the Government of Kosovo that, with its own actions, will promote uncertainty and fuel crises and conflicts\u201d.<\/p>\n
The text continues that the Western community has run out of patient and demands \u201ca clear answer from the Government of Kosovo. Is it or is it not a partner of the transatlantic community?\u201d<\/p>\n
It states that being a partner means unconditional fulfillment of all obligations and \u201cfailure to do so means consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n
As well as criticizing the current government, the document levies criticism at the opposition in Kosovo and accuses them of \u201cfailing to understand the depth of the seriousness of the situation and the real danger for Kosovo\u201d.<\/p>\n
It adds that the opposition should come out and clearly declare whether or not it is in favor of fulfilling Kosovo\u2019s obligations in the dialogue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact the opposition does not do this generates mistrust and projects opportunism,\u201d it adds.<\/p>\n
Lastly, the text states that \u201cif Kosovo fails to fulfill its obligations, it risks its own future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Euronews Albania asked the European Commission whether they were aware of the document and agreed to such potential measures.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson responded, “We do not comment on alleged leaks, and in particular not on something that claims to be an alleged document of a third country about alleged EU actions.”<\/p>\n
On a recent visit to Kosovo and Serbia, US Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar stated: \u201cWe\u2019re seeing that choices are being made despite our partnership, and that is a signal to us, we can\u2019t not accept that as a signal. At some point, when we want to re-establish that coordination and partnership with this government, we stand ready. Because we always stand with the people of Kosovo, that doesn\u2019t mean that we have to stand with an individual who doesn\u2019t share that instinct to cooperate and to coordinate.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added, when asked about potential consequences for Kosovo that, \u201cit will send a powerful signal that Kosovo is not interested in coordinating with us. I think that would be unfortunate. By the way, not Kosovo \u2013 the Prime Minister. I want to make it clear that we don\u2019t see this having an impact on long-term relationship, but the action taken or not taken could have some consequences that could affect parts of the relationship. I don\u2019t want to go there.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that by Friday, agreements must be reached because both him and his EU counterpart, Miroslav Laj\u010d\u00e1k must give reports to their respective superiors on whether they were successful or not.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The United States and the European Union are considering two phases of measures against Kosovo unless it complies its obligations and does not deescalate the situation in the north. The first phase of sanctions would see the freezing of EU funds, the visa liberalization process, the membership process for the Council of Europe, US funds, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":49689,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[163],"tags":[308,150,243,151,383,785,301,1250],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n