Balkans | The European Union urges Kosovo and Serbia to de-escalate tensions

European Commission spokesman Peter Stano called on Kosovo and Serbia to meet the necessary conditions for the return of Kosovo Serbs to their positions in state institutions.

Speaking to RTV21, Stano said that one of the most important aspects of the Brussels Agreement and the agreement reached in Ohrid is the reintegration of Kosovo Serbs, who resigned from their posts in November 2022, into local government, security forces and judicial bodies.

Stano called on the parties to de-escalate the tension, and said: “The Serbs must return to their abandoned positions, and Pristina must fulfill the conditions that will make this return possible.” He said.

Noting that the EU cannot succeed democratic processes without the efforts of the parties, Stano said, “Serbia and Kosovo must reach a comprehensive, fair, democratic and peaceful agreement.” He said.

On the other hand, while there is uncertainty over the holding of extraordinary local elections on April 23 in 4 Serb-inhabited municipalities in northern Kosovo, Kosovo Serb representatives will not be eligible to hold extraordinary local elections unless the Union of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) is formed. Kosovo Special Police units are withdrawing from the north of the country, and have announced that they will not attend.

Balkan News