1. The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent
violence in the north of Kosovo. Violent acts against citizens, media, law
enforcement agencies, and KFOR troops are absolutely unacceptable and bring
us to a very dangerous situation.
2. The EU stands firmly behind NATO’s mission, KFOR, in fulfilling its mandate in
the interest of peace and stability in Kosovo and welcomes NATO’s decision to
deploy additional troops in Kosovo. The EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo
(EULEX), as the second security responder, stands ready to ensure stability on
the ground in close coordination with KFOR and the Kosovo Police, in line with
their respective mandates. We also thank the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for
contributing to ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions.
3. We call on all sides to urgently take measures to de-escalate tensions
immediately and unconditionally. Any further unilateral action must be avoided
and calm should be restored. As a first step, Kosovo authorities need to suspend
without further delay police operations of provocative nature focusing on the
municipal buildings in the north of Kosovo, while the violent protesters need to
stand down without further delay.
4. The European Union expects Pristina and Belgrade to act responsibly and engage
immediately in the EU-facilitated Dialogue to find a sustainable solution to the
situation in the north of Kosovo that guarantees the safety and security of all
citizens and paves the way for the implementation of the new Agreement on the
Path to Normalisation. Both sides are expected to contribute to fruitful regional
cooperation and security in Europe, as well as overcome the legacy of the past.
The Candidate Countries NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, UKRAINE, the
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, and BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, and the EFTA
countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the European
Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
* North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part
of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
1* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.