Kosovo Foreign Minister accuses “actors in the EU” of working on division of Kosovo

In a startling accusation, addressing the EU decision to approve visa liberalization for Kosovo Serbs holding Serb passports issued by Serbian institutions, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Donika Gërvalla, alleged that certain actors within the European Union are actively working to divide Kosovo.

Why is this relevant

Gërvalla’s accusation marks the latest episode of the Kosovo Foreign Minister making severe accusations against the EU. In the past such episodes have caused friction and tensions between Pristina and Brussels. The decision on Serb passport holders has sparked controversy as it contradicts applicable norms in other EU countries.

Context

Gërvalla made her accusations speaking at a press conference on Wednesday. “They (the EU) have made a decision that not only, in our view, leads in the wrong direction, but also indicates that some actors in the EU are not interested in the integration of the Serbian minority in Kosovo, but are working on their division.”

The Foreign Minister’s remarks followed those of Kosovo’s Prime Minister and President who expressed dismay at the decision. Prime Minister Albin Kurti criticized the decision, emphasizing the importance of Kosovo’s sovereignty and the need for consistent EU policies towards integration efforts. President Vjosa Osmani echoed these sentiments, calling for solidarity within Kosovo and urging the EU to reconsider its stance to avoid undermining Kosovo’s stability.

The EU’s decision risks reigniting tensions within Kosovo but also straining relations between Pristina and Brussels. Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, has faced ongoing challenges in gaining international recognition and integration into European structures.

The European Union has not yet reacted to the accusations.