The High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, has submitted a report to the EU member states regarding the measures imposed on Kosovo over a year ago, confirmed the bloc’s spokesperson, Peter Stano.

The report assesses whether the measures against Kosovo, imposed due to the tense situation in the northern part of the country in May and June 2023, should be lifted.

Previously, the EU stated that Kosovo had not done enough to de-escalate the situation.

However, it is not known whether Borrell has recommended lifting the measures.

The initial discussion on this report will be held on Wednesday at the level of ambassadors of the EU member states.

Nevertheless, this meeting is not expected to decide on how to proceed with the measures.

The submission of this report, even with a clear recommendation, does not imply an immediate lifting of the measures.

This report will only serve EU member states to reintroduce the issue on the agenda and to begin considering the possibility of lifting the measures in the future.

Despite a year having passed, little is known about who exactly has been affected by these measures.

Officials have publicly stated that meetings between European and Kosovar officials have been suspended, several meetings within the stabilization and association process have been suspended, and new procurements for IPA 2023 projects have been halted. Discussions for IPA 2024 have not commenced.

EU officials first discussed the possibility of lifting the measures in April of this year and requested a report from Borrell.

Some diplomatic sources told Radio Free Europe last month that the majority of bloc countries are in favor of lifting the restrictive measures on Kosovo.

The only difference among member states has been whether the measures should be lifted immediately or gradually.

/k.s/