26.05.2023 EEAS Press Team

European Union strongly condemns the clashes involving Kosovo police and protesters in the north of Kosovo, initiated by the attempt of newly elected mayors to enter municipality buildings.

We strongly deplore the attacks on patrols of the EU’s civilian mission in Kosovo, EULEX. EULEX must be allowed to implement its mandate peacefully.

Everyone has to take actions to de-escalate the tense situation and restore calm immediately. The EU will not accept any further unilateral or provocative actions and preservation of peace, and security on the ground should be prioritised.

As the EU has consistently stated, the recent by-elections in the north of Kosovo do not offer a long-term political solution for the municipalities involved. Such solution can only be found through a real dialogue between all key stakeholders, which include Kosovo, Serbia and Kosovo Serb community – under EU facilitation.

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/kosovo-statement-spokesperson-latest-tensions-and-clashes_en?channel=eeas_press_alerts&date=2023-05-26&newsid=0&langid=en&source=mail