The EU is threatening the two Western Balkan countries, Serbia and Kosovo, with punitive measures due to the recent outbreak of violence. Failure to ease tensions will have “negative consequences”, according to a statement released today by foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU. The EU is ready to take decisive action.
Communication does not explain exactly how they can be. For example, it would be conceivable to reduce the financial support that the two countries receive as candidates for EU membership. In addition, cooperation can also be restricted.
“The violence could have been avoided”
Regarding the recent violence in northern Kosovo, the statement said: “The violence could have been avoided and must be avoided in the future.” uncoordinated measures.
Kosovo authorities are specifically urged to suspend police operations near municipal buildings in the north and organize new elections in four municipalities as soon as possible. In return, Serbs living in the communities are expected to participate in these new elections.
Furthermore, the EU calls for work to be undertaken to establish an association of Serb-majority municipalities without delay and without preconditions. The fact that the founding of the association, agreed years ago in peace talks, has not been implemented so far is one of the reasons for the current tensions from the EU’s point of view.