In addition to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the EU also examined the recent dangerous tensions between Kosova and Serbia, these aspirant countries for EU membership.

Josep Borrell, the Spanish politician who radiates calmness and prudence, deals with all possible conflicts in Europe and the world. Some things the EU’s foreign policy chief can achieve, but certain issues remain difficult, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine. It is equally important for Borrell to maintain peace and order in his home in Europe.

In the evening after a long meeting of EU foreign ministers, the chief diplomat’s face showed disappointment, as he spoke about the two Western Balkan aspirants for EU membership, Kosova and Serbia.

“We are no longer willing to accept this. This situation must end,” Borrell pointed out in a clipped voice, holding back his indignation in front of the microphones in the plenary hall. Suspected Serbian separatists attacked a EULEX vehicle in the north of Kosova, and armed militia were also seen on the road. Since 14 years, EULEX with hundreds of lawyers, judges and police has been trying to build the rule of law in Kosova, which has unilaterally declared independence.

The EU could send more personnel

The Serbs protested at the weekend, because earlier a Serbian policeman was arrested by the Kosovo police. “The Council of Foreign Ministers asked both sides to give up provocations and put an end to violence,” said Josep Borrell. The EU will send more personnel to Kosova, if necessary.

EU diplomats understand Borrell’s disappointment, because only a week ago at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana, the dispute between Serbia and Kosova regarding license plates was actually resolved. But the peace brokered by Josep Borrell did not last long. On Monday (12.12), the EU’s Foreign Policy Commissioner emphatically called for the parties to return to the negotiation table with the mediation of the EU. The 27 EU foreign ministers approved the proposal for mediation, not yet published in detail, for the final solution of the Kosova issue. Regarding this proposal, the EU’s special representative for Kosova will negotiate on Wednesday (13.12) in Belgrade and Prishtina. Josep Borrell asked both sides to provide answers before the end of the EU summit on Thursday.

Russia also reacts

After all these developments in the north of Kosova, Russia also spoke out. The Kremlin demanded that the interests of the Serbian allies in Kosova be respected. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Sakarova accused the EU and the US of being responsible for the security situation. This reminded the EU Foreign Ministers that many observers consider Serbia to be a kind of Russian submarine in the ranks of the EU. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic refuses to accept EU sanctions against Russia, although Serbia as a candidate country must harmonize its foreign policy with that of the EU. /DW

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