European Union spokesperson Peter Stano has warned Kosova it risks becoming “isolated and behind” if it disregards the advice of its international friends and allies. The warning comes in response to recent actions taken by Kosova in the predominantly Serbian farthest-north of Mitrovica region.

Stano emphasized, “We have no additional comments on the bridge reopening. However, it is important to remind those struggling to listen and understand that all of Kosova’s allies—the EU, the U.S., NATO, and the U.K.—have clearly stated that it is in Kosova’s interest to pay attention to their advice, otherwise, Kosova risks remaining isolated and lagging behind.”

Earlier this month, Kosova’s government announced plans to open the bridge over the Ibër River to vehicular traffic. This bridge divides southern Mitrovica, with a majority Albanian population, from northern Mitrovica, which is predominantly Serbian. The decision has faced strong opposition from the U.S., the EU, and Quint countries.

The announcement triggered protests from Serbs in northern Kosova, who oppose the bridge’s reopening.

U.S. Ambassador to Kosova, Jeffrey Hovenier expressed concerns that reopening the bridge could affect the security of NATO troops, including US soldiers. He urged the Kosova government to consider these concerns.

On Thursday, Kosova President Vjosa Osmani stressed the importance of opening the bridge in a manner that avoids conflict with allies and prevents an increased NATO presence. She also criticized recent EU statements on the bridge as “racist.”

Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi argued that the bridge reopening is not a new issue in dialogue but a “core request” of the Brussels agreement.

In response to criticism from Kosovan officials and President Osmani regarding the EU’s call to discuss the bridge in Brussels, Stano clarified that the discussion pertains to implementing the existing agreement on the bridge, not negotiating a new one.

“Good governance involves engaging with and addressing the communities affected by specific decisions. Addressing the bridge issue within the EU-facilitated dialogue means discussing the implementation of the previously agreed terms, not creating a new agreement,” Stano said.

He underscored the need to listen to and understand the unified and well-intentioned advice from all allies.

2014 Kosova-Serbia dialogue included an agreement to open the bridge for traffic, but this has not been realized.

Currently, the bridge is open only to pedestrians, with Italian KFOR soldiers and Kosova Police stationed there.

NATO’s KFOR mission has warned it will act in response to any developments impacting security.

Kosovan authorities have also faced criticism for closing nine Serbian postal branches in the north earlier this month, citing lack of licensing. The EU and the U.S. criticized this move as “unilateral.”

/a.p./