The European Union will end at the end of January the punitive measures that were introduced in Kosovo in 2023 for inciting ethnic tensions in the north when Albanian mayors took power in four municipalities, which resulted in Serb protests that clashed with KFOR soldiers.
The news about the lifting of the measures was announced by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani after the European Union – Western Balkans summit, and was confirmed by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
“During intensive talks with our partners, a decision was made to lift all measures towards Kosovo, whereby a large part will be lifted today and the rest at the end of January. Consequently, the funds will also be unblocked, a very large part immediately, and the other part at the end of January,” said Osmani.
Von der Leyen said that Kosovo will receive 250 million euros at the beginning of next year and added that the measures were abolished after the peaceful handover of power in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo, where the majority are Serbs.
“Good news for Kosovo! The transfer of local government in the north after the last local elections was peaceful. Thanks to this, I am happy to announce that we are moving forward with the lifting of measures against Kosovo. We are programming 216 million euros in financial aid. And we intend to pay out 205 million euros at the beginning of next year,” von der Leyen wrote on the social network Iks.
The European Union, which Kosovo hopes to join, imposed sanctions on Kosovo in the summer of 2023 in response to the escalation of the security situation in the north when Albanian mayors took office after elections boycotted by Serbs.
The entry of Albanian mayors into municipal buildings was followed by protests by local Serbs, and in clashes between Kosovo police and protesters in May 2023, more than 90 members of KFOR were injured after clashes with Serbs in Zvečan, Leposavic and Zubin Potok. These are municipalities where the majority are Serbs who boycotted the local elections, and the Kosovo authorities have arrested and charged dozens of Serbs with violence.
European Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday also welcomed the peaceful handover of power in four municipalities in northern Kosovo following recent local elections and the steps taken to build trust between communities.
“The upcoming parliamentary elections could be a decisive moment for the consolidation of reforms and constructive engagement on the road to European membership,” Costa said after the meeting in Brussels.
Kosovo applied for membership in December 2022, but there are major obstacles to obtaining the status of a candidate country.
