The European Union is taking measures against Kosovo because it is doing too little to resolve the conflict with the Serbian minority. Among other things, the union is scaling back financial aid to the small Balkan state.
Kosovo fought to free itself from Serbia in the 1990s, but it still struggles with the Serb minority in the northern border region. In recent months, tensions have risen to such an extent that NATO peacekeepers have also been attacked and injured. Kosovo is failing “despite our repeated calls to take de-escalating steps and address the root causes of the crisis,” said a spokesman for EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell.
That is why EU countries have prepared a series of punitive measures, some of which have already taken effect. The others could follow if the Kosovo government continues like this, the spokesman said. Conversely, however, they could also be withdrawn if Kosovo “takes credible and decisive steps” to calm things down.
“No sanctions”
The measures should not be called sanctions, but would concern “financial and political consequences”. These include “suspending financial cooperation” with the EU and high-level meetings and discussions with EU officials.
Kosovo used to be a province of Serbia, but declared its independence in 2008. Serbia has never recognized that independence. About 120,000 Serbs live in Kosovo, while the remaining 1.8 million are mainly Albanians.
EU threatens “consequences” for Serbia and Kosovo if violence continues
Why is the situation in Kosovo escalating? Old wounds, hate propaganda, political opportunism and even tennis player Novak Djokovic get involved
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2023-06-14 18:02:00
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