Oct 26, 2024 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on a Western Balkans tour, said today that the EU will maintain sanctions on Kosovo, urging leaders in Pristina to align with Brussels’ policies to help reduce regional tensions. Kosovo’s government had appealed to the EU to lift the sanctions, which they estimate have cost the economy over €300 million, but Von der Leyen stated that EU support will be conditional on Kosovo’s progress in meeting stability and cooperation standards.
Von der Leyen arrived in Pristina after visiting Tirana, where she met Albanian leaders and delivered a speech at the inauguration of the College of Europe’s new campus in the capital. The event positioned Tirana as a “centre of European success,” according to Von der Leyen. In Kosovo, she received a warm welcome and first met with President Vjosa Osmani, who expressed hope for support in easing restrictions on Kosovo, calling for “understanding” on Kosovo’s stance.
During a press conference with Osmani, Von der Leyen responded that although the EU is ready to support Kosovo’s democratic path, Pristina must adhere to EU values and work towards reducing regional tensions. “Let’s work together, step by step, toward Kosovo’s European future,” she said, calling for steady progress that aligns with EU requirements.
In her meeting with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Von der Leyen praised Kosovo’s recent economic growth and pledged €60 million in EU development aid, intended to support regional stability and infrastructure improvements as Kosovo seeks EU membership. However, she emphasised that Brussels expects alignment with EU policies, which has sometimes been lacking.
Von der Leyen acknowledged Kosovo’s recent decision to open the Merdare border crossing for Serbian goods, a move seen as significant by Brussels in the context of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). She called it an “important step” for regional cooperation, adding, “It’s vital that we continue to work together.” Yet she noted that further steps would be required before sanctions are reconsidered, and reminded Kosovo that all EU member states must agree for sanctions to be lifted.
Despite the positive tone of her visit, Von der Leyen was clear that Kosovo’s unilateral actions have, at times, contributed to heightened regional tensions, creating obstacles for closer EU ties. She suggested that more collaborative efforts would be needed to convince EU member states to remove sanctions.
The EU imposed the sanctions on Kosovo a year ago after disagreements over Pristina’s policies and rising tensions in the region. Brussels also temporarily suspended certain activities under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Kosovo, citing concerns over stability. The European Commission has since urged Kosovo’s leaders to take responsibility for easing these tensions and meet EU expectations to advance their EU membership aspirations.
Zenel Çeliku, TIR-FAX News Agency
