After tensions flared again between Kosovo and Serbia, causing concern in Brussels, Germany and France called on both sides to de-escalate as they are now “genuinely jeopardizing” their path to the EU.

In an exclusive interview with EURACTIV, German Europe Undersecretary Anna Lührmann also pointed to Kosovo, saying the pressure to de-escalate “also applies to Pristina”.

Despite the Franco-German initiative to de-escalate Kosovo-Serbia relations and EU mediation, tensions continue and escalate.

The government in Pristina is at the center of attention and has even been threatened with sanctions by the EU over its reluctance to ease tensions with its northern neighbour.

Anna Lührmann

“Both sides need to de-escalate the situation. They are really risking their future in the EU,” German Deputy Europe Minister Anna Lührmann told EURACTIV. While stressing that “both sides must refrain from any moves that could escalate the situation,” he pointed mostly to Kosovo for keeping their side of the deal.

“The government of Kosovo must recognize that [οι πιέσεις αποκλιμάκωσης] they are not only valid for Belgrade, but also for Pristina. Both must engage constructively and pursue a viable diplomatic solution,” he said.

Her French counterpart warned that “both must respect their commitments and reach a common agreement,” French undersecretary for Europe Laurence Boone told EURACTIV.

Kosovo has been criticized for its handling of disputed elections in the north of the country, despite the international community deeming the elections legitimate.

It is recalled that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić called on Kosovo Serbs to boycott the regional elections, and only about 3.5% of the population in the northern part of the country went to the polls, while no Serbs were candidates.

However, the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade under the auspices of the EU has almost stopped and representatives of Kosovo accuse the West of double standards.

Asked by EURACTIV, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said the main reason for the West’s reluctance is whether “it is in Serbia’s interest to get closer to the European Union, closer to the West and detach from Russia.”

Belgrade is asking for EU help

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić called on EU member states to help maintain peace in the region and support international agreements.

“I take the opportunity today to ask our EU partners to help us keep the peace and ensure that Serbs in Kosovo live without the fear of daily torture, arrest […] to ensure at least the basic principles of the rule of law in Kosovo,” Brnabić said at an event organized by the EU delegation in Serbia.

“I therefore ask that the Brussels Agreement be finally implemented, after more than 10 years, and that the association of municipalities with a Serbian majority (SMA) be established,” he added.

Brnabić also noted that EU membership is a “strategic goal of Serbia’s foreign policy.”

“We believe that the European peace project represented by the Union can only be fully completed by accepting the Republic of Serbia and other Western Balkan countries as full members,” he said.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, he said that the positions of Serbia and the EU do not differ.

“The Republic of Serbia provides principled and sincere support to Ukraine, its political and territorial integrity and sovereignty. We always respect and defend, at all times and regardless of time, circumstances or factors, the basic principle of public international law and the UN Charter – the inviolability of the international borders of sovereign, UN member states,” said Brnabić.

However, Serbia has not adopted EU sanctions against Moscow, despite the fact that candidate countries tend to toe the EU’s line on foreign affairs.

In Pristina, Prime Minister Albin Kurti addressed the country’s Serb population in Serbian, inviting them to participate in new elections in the north.

“The representatives of the Serbian list, as well as Jabllanovic, said many things about Kosovo and about me, but I was ready to accept them as future mayors. Unfortunately, I have neither the power nor the will to force them to vote,” he said.

“For this, we need early elections and an open, free, election campaign in 4 municipalities in the north. Without a fair and democratic campaign, there is no fair and democratic election. And that is why the rule of law is primarily needed, i.e. an environment where there is no fear and no criminals,” he added.

Kurti also called for a return to the dialogue in Brussels, which Vučić refused to participate in, as he does not want to talk to his Kosovar counterpart.