EU expresses its opinion on tension between Kosovo, Serbia

The EU has urged Kosovo and Serbia to “respect their Dialogue obligations,” following the resignation of Kosovo Serbs from their roles in all central and local institutions in Pristina because of a row concerning license plates, Report informs referring to Anadolu Agency.

“We call on Serbia and Kosovo Serb representatives to respect their Dialogue obligations and return to the Kosovo institutions to fulfill their duties, including in the Police, Judiciary and local administrations,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

Borrell noted that recent developments have “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.”

The EU also urged “Kosovo authorities to respect their own obligations without delay,” it said. “This means immediately extending the process of re-registration of vehicles and suspending any punitive action against KM plate holders. The licence plates issue can be resolved by the Parties under the Dialogue.”

Borrell’s remarks came after Serbian representatives withdrew their posts in all Pristina institutions and suspended their participation in the police and judiciary.

Calling on both sides to “refrain from any unilateral actions, which might lead to further tensions,” Borrell said: “The withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from Kosovo institutions is not a solution to the current disputes. It has the potential to further escalate the tensions on the ground.”

The bloc also urged Kosovo “to start immediate steps to establish the Association/Community of Serb Majority Municipalities.”

“The Kosovo Assembly has ratified the Brussels Agreement and Kosovo’s Constitutional Court ruled that the Association/Community needs to be established,” according to the statement. “Therefore, 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.”