Belgrade and Pristina must continue with constant efforts for de-escalation, as well as ensure the holding of new elections in the north of Kosovo as soon as possible, with the active participation of Kosovo Serbs, it is stated in the conclusions of the European Council adopted at the Summit in Brussels, adding that the failure of de-escalation will tension have consequences.
The document states that the European Council regrets the lack of implementation by both sides of the Agreement on the Normalization Path and its Implementation Annex, as well as other agreements reached in the EU-mediated dialogue, led by the High Representative and supported by the EU Special Envoy.
"The European Council calls on Kosovo and Serbia to implement them, without delay or preconditions." This includes the establishment of an Association/Community of municipalities with a Serbian majority. "The normalization of relations is an essential condition on the European path of both sides, and both risk losing important opportunities in the absence of progress," the document states.
It is also emphasized that the European Council is concerned about the security situation in the north of the Republic of Kosovo and strongly condemns the violent attack on the so-called Kosovo Police on September 24, 2023.
"The European Union expects the perpetrators to be arrested and quickly brought to justice and that Serbia fully cooperates and takes all necessary steps in this regard," the conclusions state.
It was also emphasized that the European Union will continue to closely cooperate with the Western Balkans and support the reform efforts of the countries of that region on their European paths.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said at the press conference after the end of the Summit that it was pointed out at the Summit that it is important for the leaders of the two sides to return to the table and for the previously agreed Agreements to be implemented.
He reminded that separate meetings were held yesterday with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Prime Minister of Pristina's temporary institutions, Aljbin Kurti, and that it is very important to normalize relations.
"We emphasized the importance of that. At the meetings, the importance of getting the leaders back to the table and implementing the agreements was emphasized," Michel said.
When asked by journalists about the details of yesterday's meetings, Michel said that it was explained to the leaders what was expected of them, which was to implement the agreed agreements.
"First of all, the Association of Municipalities with a Serbian majority should be formed, secondly, the agreement on seals should be implemented. The most important thing is that the agreements are implemented. We will check that, there will be consequences if they are not implemented and if they are implemented," Michel said.
BG/RTS
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