Stano: EU condemns violence in Kosovo

“The European Union strongly condemns the clashes involving Kosovo police and protesters in the north of Kosovo, initiated by the attempt of newly elected mayors to enter municipality buildings. We strongly deplore also the attacks on patrols of the EU’s civilian mission in Kosovo, EULEX. EULEX must be allowed to implement its mandate peacefully,” Stano said in a statement.

Kosovo: 🇪🇺 strongly condemns clashes in the north, deplores attacks on @EULEXKosovo patrols. Everyone has to take action to de-escalate & restore calm. EU will not accept any further unilateral, provocative actions. https://t.co/UGAUSC35Wc

— Peter Stano (@ExtSpoxEU) May 26, 2023

Kosovo: 🇪🇺 strongly condemns clashes in the north, deplores attacks on @EULEXKosovo patrols. Everyone has to take action to de-escalate & restore calm. EU will not accept any further unilateral, provocative actions. https://t.co/UGAUSC35Wc

Stano said efforts should be invested to de-escalate the tension and restore calm immediately. “The EU will not accept any further unilateral or provocative actions and preservation of peace and security on the ground should be prioritized,” he said.

He recalled the EU view that recent local elections in northern Kosovo did not provide a long-term political solution for the Serb-majority municipalities, adding that a solution can only be found through a real dialogue between all key stakeholders, which include Kosovo, Serbia and the Kosovo Serb community under EU facilitation.