Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani lambasted the European Union’s approach, calling it disappointing, unfair and un-European.
I am absolutely disappointed with the treatment Kosovo is receiving from some EU member states. There is no progress in lifting the measures against Kosovo; they are still in place.
Osmani spoke at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels on Thursday, 18 December. She expressed dissatisfaction with the current EU sanctions against Kosovo.
The restrictions were imposed in June 2023 amid tensions in Serb-majority areas of northern Kosovo. However, Osmani said the punitive measures did not reflect European principles.
What is European about punishing 1.7mn citizens of Kosovo, a country that is among the most pro-European in the world?
Despite applying for EU membership in December 2022 and fulfilling the necessary conditions, Kosovo’s application remains pending. Five EU member states have not recognised Kosovo as an independent state since its unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008.
The President also addressed recent attacks on Kosovo’s critical infrastructure, which she attributed to Serbian gangs.
Serbia’s continued aggression against Kosovo violates international law and EU principles of good neighbourliness. Last month, Serbian gangs attacked critical infrastructure in Kosovo, aiming to leave 70% of our population without water, energy, and heating during winter. Meanwhile, Serbia faces no accountability and continues to make progress in EU accession talks.
Osmani called for a fair and merit-based enlargement process that promoted EU values, noting Kosovo’s commitment to the EU accession.
