The European Union has confirmed that its sanctions against Kosovo, introduced in 2023, will remain for now. While there is growing pressure to lift the measures, EU officials made it clear that any decision will depend on Kosovo’s actions and must be agreed upon by all member states.
Peter Stano, the EU spokesperson for foreign affairs, said on Thursday that the issue is still under review. “The matter is being considered in the Council and will be decided by member states, regardless of when the new Commission starts its mandate,” Stano said.
The sanctions were imposed last year after tensions flared in Kosovo’s Serb-majority northern region. Despite ongoing discussions, there is no clear timeline for their removal.
Internal debate over next steps for Kosovo
As some EU member states push for the sanctions to be lifted immediately, others argue that it’s premature to make such a move. They point to Kosovo’s continued actions in the north, such as the ban on the Serbian dinar and the shutdown of Serbian-run institutions, which have raised concerns among international observers.
Diplomatic sources say that while a gradual easing of the sanctions is still on the table, no decision has been made yet. Kosovo’s government, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, especially in the north.
The EU’s next steps could have significant implications for Kosovo’s future relationship with the bloc. For now, the sanctions remain, and the EU continues to monitor developments closely.
