EU criticizes Kurti and police actions in northern Kosovo: They damage international image

The European Union has reacted to recent developments in northern Kosovo, expressing concern about Kosovo Police operations, inspections and closures of public services, which according to the EU risk exacerbating tensions and negatively impacting the daily lives of local communities.

In the official statement, the EU highlights particular concern about the actions against the company "Vodovod Ibar" in North Mitrovica, as well as against the water supply plant and the public municipal enterprise in Zubin Potok - basic services for the residents of this area.

"Unilateral and uncoordinated actions undermine efforts to build trust between communities," the response further states.

The EU calls on the outgoing Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, and the Kosovo authorities to stop these closures, to show restraint and to avoid actions that could lead to an escalation of the situation.

Also, both parties – Kosovo and Serbia – are invited to engage constructively in the implementation of the agreement on the path towards normalization of relations and its annex, as well as all agreements previously reached within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue.

Finally, the EU emphasizes that the normalization of relations is an essential condition for the European progress of both sides.