Thewesternbalkans.
On 16 of May the Spokesperson of the EEAS issued a statement on latest developments in Kosovo making special attention on recent police operations, inspections and closures of public services in Kosovo. According to the EEAS press service there are a risk of exacerbating tension and negatively impact the daily lives of local communities, as well as undermine the international standing of Kosovo.
“We are particularly concerned about the operations against the Vodovod Ibar company in Mitrovica North and the water supply plant and the public utility company in Zubin Potok, which provide basic public services for the communities living in the northern part of Kosovo”, said the statement.
The EU position is that the unilateral and uncoordinated actions undermine efforts toward building trust between communities.
The spokesperson urges the outgoing Prime Minister Kurti and the authorities in Kosovo to stop these closures, exercise restraint and avoid escalatory measure.
And also: “Both Kosovo and Serbia are urged to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated dialogue implementation of the Agreement on the path to normalization and the Implementation Annex as well as other agreements reached in the EU-facilitated dialogue without further delay or precondition. This includes the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb Majority Municipalities. Normalization of relations is an essential condition on the European path for both Parties”, said the statement.
Comments: The reaction level of EEAS is the lowest possible, but this is an indication of increased pressure against Kosovo. The problem is that the EU continues to insist on the implementation of an agreement that has not been legalized by either of the parties – Kosovo and Serbia. This is starting to resemble a dialogue between the deaf and mute.
