The European Union has not reached a full consensus on lifting the punitive measures imposed on Kosova. However, as a compromise, these measures are expected to be lifted partially and gradually.

This information was obtained by Radio Free Europe from diplomatic sources within the bloc after discussions held on June 19 in the EU’s Political and Security Committee (PSC), attended by representatives of member states.

According to the sources, the majority of EU states were in favor of fully lifting the measures, as recommended by the bloc’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, in a report delivered to member states on June 18 regarding the steps Kosova has taken to reduce tensions in the Serb-majority north.

In his report, as reported by Radio Free Europe, Borrell recommended lifting the measures on Kosova, while urging Prishtina to use this opportunity to act in a manner that reduces tensions and avoids uncoordinated actions. He made this conclusion after a thorough review of the steps Kosova has taken to meet the specific criteria set by the EU for Kosova in June 2023.

According to diplomatic sources, some EU countries have expressed that “Kosova’s fulfillment of the requirements has not been complete,” and these countries currently do not agree to fully lift the measures on Kosova.

EU diplomats contacted by Radio Free Europe said that in the coming days, a statement might be issued on behalf of the EU, announcing the willingness to gradually and partially lift the measures on Kosova.

There are still no details on which measures might be lifted and which might not. However, EU diplomats believe that the first measures to be lifted could be those related to the use of financial instruments from the Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) funds, which have been suspended for Kosova.

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

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 in elections boycotted by local Serbs—began their duties in northern municipalities.

Among the EU measures are the temporary suspension of the work of the Stabilization and Association Agreement bodies. 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 framework. Proposals submitted by Kosova under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) have not been presented for consideration to the board of this fund. New contracts where Kosova authorities are beneficiaries are currently halted.

Kosova authorities have repeatedly insisted that they have met the requirements for lifting the measures and that the situation in northern Kosova has de-escalated. Kosova Serbs have had the opportunity to vote on the dismissal of mayors, and now, according to them, there is no longer any reason to maintain these measures.

/a.p./