During the evening of Thursday 8 December, the European External Action Service announced that EU representatives had met Serbian and Kosovar representatives that day to clarify the outstanding questions on implementing the August 2015 agreement on Mitrovica Bridge (see EUROPE 11375).
The bridge is due to be reopened and the adjacent King Petar street pedestrianised by 20 January 2017 at the latest. However, the Serbian authorities have reportedly started building a concrete wall on their side of the bridge which divides the city ethnically.
"Both sides agreed to harmonise the designs for the project to revitalise the Mitrovica Bridge and the project to pedestrianise King Petar street. They agreed that the roundabout in Mitrovica north will be connected with the pedestrianised King Petar street, allowing for full and unhindered freedom of movement, while addressing concerns related to road safety", the EEAS says in a press release. "Parties also agreed that the initial design of the roundabout, as agreed in Brussels in August 2015, will be fully adhered to", it added.
The EEAS stated that the EU would remain in close touch with both sides to ensure implementation of the August 2015 agreement, the August 2016 implementing agreement and "the operational understanding" reached on 8 December "so that the 20 January deadline for the re-opening of the bridge and the pedestrian street" are met. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)