BRUSSELS, November 6. /TASS/. The events in Kosovo and escalation of tensions with Serbia ‘put years of hard work’ on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina at risk, while the withdrawal of all Kosovo Serbs from local institutions ‘is not a solution to the current disputes’, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement issued on Saturday.
"The recent developments in the relations between Kosovo and Serbia put years of hard work and achievements reached under the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina at risk and hamper the security situation in the region and beyond," Borrell said, "The European Union calls both sides to refrain from any unilateral actions, which might lead to further tensions."
"The withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from Kosovo institutions is not a solution to the current disputes. It has the potential to further escalate the tensions on the ground," he continued.
The EU calls on Kosovo Serbs to return to the local authorities and "to fulfil their duties," Borrell stressed. He also called on the Kosovo authorities "respect their own obligations without delay". "This means immediately extending the process of re-registration of vehicles and suspending any punitive action against KM plate holders. The licence plates issue can be resolved by the Parties under the Dialogue," Borrel stressed. In addition, he urged the Kosovo authorities to start creating an association of Serb-majority Municipalities in Kosovo, noting that "its establishment is a binding legal obligation for Kosovo." "Continued failure to implement this obligation undermines the principle of Rule of Law and damages Kosovo’s reputation and credibility," Borrell pointed out.
He warned that while maintaining peace and order is a priority for Belgrade and Pristina, the EU mission in Kosovo and NATO's KFOR forces "continue supporting to maintain a safe and secure environment in line with their respective mandates."
Situation in Kosovo
Earlier, Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija withdrew from all power institutions of the unrecognized Kosovo. The leader of Serbs of Kosovo and Metohija, Goran Rakic, filed a statement about quitting the government of Kosovo. Moreover, Serbian lawmakers announced that they were quitting the parliament, then judges and heads of municipalities announced their resignation. After that, Serbian police chiefs removed their uniforms and shoulder straps of the unrecognized Kosovo during the session.
The Kosovo authorities decided their intention to fine those who did not change their Serbian registration plates, issuing warnings starting from November 1. The fines will amount to 150 euros, and citizens will be instructed to replace Serbian plates with the registration plates of the unrecognized Kosovo. The transition period will last until April 21, 2023, after which Kosovo police will begin confiscating cars with Serbian license plates.