Balkans | The European Union calls for the renewal of local elections in Kosovo

The European Union demanded the resumption of local elections in Kosovo as tensions escalated, and the participation of Kosovo Serbs who boycotted the previous elections.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy, met separately with Kosovar President Vyuza Osmani and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Moldova, where the European Political Community summit was taking place.

After these meetings, Borrell, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Kosovo and Serb leaders.

In a statement on social media about the contacts, Borrell stated that they discussed the “serious” situation in northern Kosovo and conveyed EU demands from Kosovo as follows:

We have three clear demands. The immediate renewal of local elections, the participation of Kosovo Serbs, and the commencement of work for the establishment of the Federation of Municipalities of the Serb majority within the framework of the dialogue facilitated by the European Union.

“Her absence would have dire consequences for our relations,” Burrell said. Use the phrase.

Tensions in northern Kosovo

On May 26, Kosovo Serbs protested against the election of Albanian mayors who won local elections on April 23 in the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavić, where Serbs are concentrated in northern Kosovo.

As protests continued in the area, the Kosovo Police and NATO’s Kosovo Peacekeeping Force (KFOR) cordoned off municipal buildings with wire fences and increased personnel in the area.

There was a clash between the Kosovo police, who were sent to the area to protect the Albanian mayors, and the Kosovo Serbs.

Considering Kosovo, which unilaterally declared its independence in 2008, as its own territory, Serbia also decided to station its army on Kosovo’s borders.

Kosovo Serbs stated that they would continue their protests in front of the municipal building until their demands were met.

The Serbian administration says the elections, which were boycotted by Kosovo Serbs and had a turnout of 3 percent, were invalid.

The Serbian side states that it has fulfilled all the requirements of the Brussels Treaty signed in 2013, and that Kosovo has not implemented the article “Establishing the Confederation of Serbian Municipalities”.

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