The High Representative of the EU, Joseph Borrell, yesterday evening called the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti and the Serbian President, Aleksandër Vucic regarding the tense situation in the north of the country, asking the Serbs to return to the institutions of Kosovo, but also to extend the deadline for license plates and form the Association of municipalities with a Serbian majority.

Borrell issued a statement calling on both sides to refrain from any unilateral action that could lead to further tensions.

“Recent developments in relations between Kosovo and Serbia put at risk the years of hard work and achievements achieved within the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and hinder the security situation in the region and beyond.”

He said that the withdrawal of Serbs from Kosovo’s institutions is not a solution to the current disputes, as according to him, this action has the potential to further escalate tensions on the ground.

“We call on Serbia and the representatives of the Kosovo Serbs to respect their obligations of the Dialogue and return to the institutions of Kosovo to fulfill their duties, including the police, judiciary and local administrations”

Borrell asked Kosovo to immediately extend the vehicle re-registration process, thus suspending the decision to punish vehicles with KM license plates.
“At the same time, the EU again asks the Kosovo authorities to respect their obligations without delay. This means the immediate extension of the vehicle re-registration process and the suspension of any punitive action against KM license plate holders. The license plate issue can be resolved by the Parties within the Dialogue”.

In the statement issued by Borrell, it is stated that the EU calls on Kosovo to immediately start taking steps for the establishment of the Association/Community of Municipalities with a Serbian Majority.

“The Assembly of Kosovo has ratified the Brussels Agreement and the Constitutional Court of Kosovo has decided that the Association/Community should be established. Therefore, its establishment is a legal obligation for Kosovo. The continuous failure to implement this obligation violates the principle of the rule of law and damages the reputation and credibility of Kosovo.

He added that it is the responsibility of the parties to guarantee peace and stability.

/Klara Ruci/