Deputies of the European Parliament (EP) called for the “immediate” cancellation of punitive measures introduced by the European Union (EU) against Kosovo in 2023.
The Foreign Affairs Committee (Afet) of the European Parliament adopted a report regarding the progress of Kosovo on the way to joining the EU in 2023 and 2024.
In particular, the report gives a high assessment of the reforms of Kosovo on the way to EU membership, and the country’s determination is also noted to become a person’s association.
At the same time, the report notes the lack of progress in the process of dialogue between Belgrade and Primetina, which was initiated through the mediation of the EU in order to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Both countries should avoid “one -sided steps undermining” this process ” – follows from the report.
The report also calls for the “immediate abolition” of punitive measures introduced by the EU in relation to Kosovo, as well as criticism of them.
These measures “seriously contradict the commitment of Kosovo to European values and prevent the conscientious resumption of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina,” the report says.
The report also calls for the authorities of Kosovo and Serbia to implement the 2013 Brussels Agreement and the 2023 Ohrid agreement.
EU began to introduce restrictions on Kosovo in 2023 on the grounds that Protina did not take steps to reduce tension in the north of the country.
These measures, in particular, do not allow Kosovo to receive funds from the EU funds in a number of areas.
The tension between Kosovo and Serbia is also due to the fact that the Belgrade government considers Protina, which proclaimed independence unilaterally in 2008, as its own territory.
In order to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia, in 2011, with the mediation of the EU, the process of dialogue was initiated, which is often interrupted due to contradictions in the positions of the parties.