On Thursday 19 October, MEPs adopted a resolution calling on Belgrade and Pristina to “de-escalate” the situation in northern Kosovo. The text, debated at the previous plenary session (see EUROPE 13264/7), also accuses the government of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić of pursuing a dangerous policy towards its neighbour and Western countries.
In addition to denouncing the violence and provocations by both countries, the resolution adopted by a show of hands emphasises that MEPs are closely following the ongoing investigation into the murder of a Kosovar police officer by a group of Serbian gunmen on 24 September in Kosovo (see EUROPE 13257/21). On this point, MEPs also argue that the Commission will freeze the funding granted to Serbia under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance if the investigation reveals direct involvement by the Serbian state in this affair.
The MEPs, who deplore the “aggressive military behaviour” and “radicalised political messaging” in Serbia, are also concerned about the links between the Serbian state and criminal groups in Serbia and northern Kosovo.
For its part, say MEPs, the Council of the EU should adopt targeted measures, such as asset freezes and travel bans for “destabilising actors in the north of Kosovo and the leaders of major organised crime networks”. The Commission, for its part, should “avoid any policy of appeasement towards Serbia”.
To see the resolution, go to https://aeur.eu/f/95h (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)