In a resolution passed on Thursday, MEPs condemned the Serbian Government’s dangerous policy towards Kosovo and its Western allies. The resolution, adopted by a show of hands, strongly denounced the terrorist attack on Kosovan police officers in Banjska/Banjskë on September 24, 2023, by Serbian paramilitaries.
The MEPs called on all parties to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo. The MEPs are closely monitoring the ongoing investigations by Kosovan authorities and urge Serbia to cooperate fully and bring those responsible for the attack, who are currently residing in Serbia, to justice, including facilitating their extradition to Kosovo.
Dangerous policy of Serbia concerning Kosovo and its Western partners
MEPs are raising concerns regarding aggressive military behaviour and radicalised political messaging in Serbia. There are strong indications of the Serbian state’s involvement in the recent political violence in the north of Kosovo. This indicates that the Serbian Government is pursuing a dangerous policy concerning Kosovo and its Western partners. Additionally, MEPs are worried about the evidence linking violent criminal groups in the north of Kosovo and Serbia with the Serbian state.
Suppose the investigation finds any direct Serbian state involvement in the attacks on September 24. In that case, MEPs recommend that the Commission freeze the funding provided to Serbia under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance III.
They also urge the Council to adopt targeted restrictive measures, such as asset freezes and travel bans, against destabilizing actors in the north of Kosovo and the leaders of major organised crime networks.
Call to denounce all forms of violence and acts of provocation
The Parliament has urged Serbia and Kosovo to condemn all forms of violence and acts of provocation. MEPs have requested both countries to stop any actions that may escalate tensions further and to actively work towards a peaceful resolution of disputes through EU-facilitated dialogue.
Per MEPs, the Commission should act as an honest broker in normalisation and avoid appeasement towards Serbia. They have also demanded that the Council lift its negative measures against Kosovo and resume high-level contacts with its President and the Kosovo government.
The resolution further calls upon the Commission to prepare and present a clear and ambitious roadmap for Kosovo’s path to integration by the end of 2023.
