The opening of the bridge on the Ibar River in Kosovska Mitrovica should be discussed within the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, said European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano, but could not announce any specific meetings on the subject.

He warned that any uncoordinated unilateral steps could have more negative impact and consequences, not only on the affected communities but also on the Kosovo administration and the government in Pristina.

“This is the view of all the partners and allies of Kosovo, and the Kosovo authorities would do very good service to themselves and to their people if they would listen and hear the messages from the partners and allies,” said Stano.

The spokesperson responded to a reporter’s question about the European Union’s (EU) view on Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s statements. Kurti said that the issue of opening the bridge in Kosovska Mitrovica cannot be discussed within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia and that he is addressing the matter separately with the US and KFOR.

Stano said the position of the European Union regarding the bridge was very clearly outlined in the past few days and weeks, communicated to the partners in Pristina and discussed extensively with all the other partners within the EU, with the US, with NATO and KFOR.

“The position of the EU has not changed,” Stano underlined.

“We prefer not to speculate on what if scenarios,” said the spokesperson, adding that the EU is “engaging with partners, both in Kosovo and in the international community, to avoid any uncoordinated and unilateral steps that could have more negative impact and consequences, not only on the affected communities but also on the Kosovo administration and the government in Pristina.”

“The position of the EU and all the other partners of the European Union is very clear when it comes to how to deal with the issue of the reopening of the bridge and this is being discussed with Pristina and with the international partners,” he said.