The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has recommended to member states to consider lifting measures against Kosova, according to diplomatic sources within the bloc cited by Radio Free Europe.

Sources quoted Borrell’s recommendation from his report stating:

“Taking into account Kosova’s steps towards fulfilling the EU’s requirements expressed in the June 3, 2023 declaration, the High Representative recommends to the Council to adopt a stance on lifting measures against Kosova, while respecting institutional prerogatives“.

In his recommendation, Borrell wrote that “the Council’s decision would be a political signal contributing to the balanced context in which the Prishtina-Belgrade dialogue, facilitated by the EU, can progress. Kosova is expected to utilize this opportunity to act towards de-escalating tensions and avoiding unilateral actions,” according to diplomatic sources within the EU.

The report specifically mentions the requirements posed to Kosova last year, related to the activities of Kosovo Police special units in the northern, Serb-majority part of the state, as well as the exercise of functions by Albanian mayors of the four northern municipalities.

In the report, Borrell writes that the EU will continue to closely monitor developments in northern Kosova, as well as the actions of Kosova and Serbia, which, according to him, should not create new tensions.

Borrell’s report is expected to be discussed at the June 19 Political and Security Committee (PSC) meeting. Based on these discussions, a decision on lifting measures against Kosova will be considered. According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, the lifting of measures against Kosova may also be on the agenda at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, scheduled at ministerial level on June 24. Borrell submitted his report to member states on June 18. EU officials had discussed the possibility of lifting measures in April this year, hence requesting a report from Borrell.

The delivery of Borrell’s report was scheduled earlier, as EU countries had requested it to be done “as soon as possible,” but it was delayed due to Kosova authorities’ actions to close Serbian post office branches in northern Kosova.

The measures against Kosova were imposed a year ago in response to the escalation of the security situation in northern Kosova, when Albanian mayors elected from elections boycotted by local Serbs began their duties in the northern municipalities.

Among the EU measures are the temporary suspension of the Stabilization and Association Agreement task force’s work. Kosova is also not invited to high-level events, and bilateral visits are suspended, except those focusing on addressing the crisis in northern Kosova within the EU-facilitated dialogue.

Other measures include the suspension of the IPA 2024 funds program for Kosova (Pre-Accession Funds). Proposals submitted by Kosova under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) have not been presented for review to the fund’s board. New contracts where Kosova authorities are beneficiaries are currently prohibited.

The Kosova government has insisted several times that it has fulfilled the requirements and that the situation in northern Kosova is relaxed. Kosova Serbs have had the opportunity to vote for the dismissal of municipal mayors, and now, according to them, there is no longer any reason to maintain these measures.

/a.p./