Balkans | The European Union warns of tension in Kosovo

The EU called on Kosovo and Serbia to de-escalate tensions in northern Kosovo, and stated that if this does not happen, the EU will implement decisive measures and the results will be negative.

The EU High Representative for External Relations and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, made a statement on behalf of the European Union on the situation in Kosovo.

Condemning the violence in northern Kosovo, Borrell said, “The violence could and should have been prevented in the future.” Make an evaluation.

“We call on Kosovo and Serbia to immediately and unconditionally de-escalate, curb separatist rhetoric, and refrain from further uncoordinated actions. Calm must be ensured immediately. The EU is ready to implement decisive measures. Failure to ease tension will lead to negative consequences.” Use his statements.

– Repeat EU expectations

Borrell stressed that they expect Kosovo to act in a way that does not lead to an escalation of tensions and stop police operations in municipalities in the north.

Borrell indicated that mayors should continue their duties in places other than municipal buildings, that early elections should be announced in 4 municipalities as soon as possible, and emphasized that they expect the elections to be inclusive and that Kosovo Serbs will also participate in the elections.

Borrell also indicated their concern about the high alert state of the Serbian army.

Borrell called on Kosovo and Serbia to continue the dialogue process facilitated by the European Union, and urged the two sides to immediately begin work on establishing a federation of Serbian municipalities in accordance with the agreement they signed for normalization.

– Tension 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.

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