On Saturday 5 November, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expressed his concerns about the latest developments between Kosovo and Serbia.
On Saturday evening, Borrell met with Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti and Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić.
“The recent developments in the relations between Kosovo and Serbia put years of hard work and achievements reached under the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina at risk and hamper the security situation in the region and beyond”, Borrell warned. He called on both sides to “refrain from any unilateral actions, which might lead to further tensions”.
Borrell called on the parties to “choose the path of Dialogue in earnest”, to refrain from any action that could lead to violence and confrontation, and to show a willingness to seek solutions constructively and to respect the obligations they have undertaken in the Dialogue.
Borrell considered that the withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from Kosovo’s institutions was not a solution to the current disputes. “It has the potential to further escalate the tensions on the ground”, he warned, calling on Serbia and Kosovo Serb representatives to respect their Dialogue obligations and to return to Kosovo’s institutions to fulfil their duties, “including in the police, judiciary and local administrations”.
At the same time, the head of EU diplomacy again urged the Kosovo authorities to comply with their own obligations without delay, which means “immediately extending the process of re-registration of vehicles and suspending any punitive action against KM plate holders”. According to Kurti, between 1 November and the evening of 5 November, of the 843 reprimands issued by the police to drivers of cars with illegal plates, there were zero incidents or complaints (see EUROPE 13054/6).
“The licence plates issue can be resolved by the Parties under the Dialogue”, Borrell explained. He also called on Kosovo to take steps “immediately” to establish the Association/Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities. Its establishment is “a binding legal obligation for Kosovo. Continued failure to implement this obligation undermines the principle of Rule of Law and damages Kosovo’s reputation and credibility”, he stressed.
Borrell emphasised that it was the responsibility of the parties to ensure peace and stability. “Any actions, such as burning of cars, or intimidating rhetoric that could lead to tensions, are unacceptable and will trigger an appropriate reaction by the international community”, he warned. He stated that in close coordination with NATO, KFOR and the Kosovo Police, the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) is standing ready to ensure stability on the ground in Kosovo. “EULEX and KFOR will continue supporting to maintain a safe and secure environment in line with their respective mandates”, he added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)