EU: Bridge construction must reflect the will and needs of all local communities

The European Union stated that the construction of two new bridges over the Ibar River carries both practical and political significance, emphasizing that any infrastructure project between North and South Mitrovica requires close coordination and dialogue among all involved communities, reports Radio Free Europe.

"Such projects must reflect the will and needs of local communities," the EU said in its response.

It added that the Union is currently conducting a structural assessment of the Ibar bridge and an urban planning study of the surrounding area, given the time that has passed since the completion of its revitalization.

The EU stressed that the Kosovo authorities have been informed about the assessment, and that it does not signal "any changes to the current status quo, but aims to ensure that all decisions regarding the future of the bridge are based on up-to-date, accurate, and objective technical data."

"The EU is closely coordinating with its international partners in Kosovo regarding the future of the bridge," the response noted.

The foundation stone for the construction of the bridges over the Ibar River was laid on July 1 in the presence of Kosovo's caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who stated that the goal is to connect North Mitrovica, inhabited predominantly by Serbs, with South Mitrovica, where the majority of the population is Albanian.

For the construction of these two bridges—one for pedestrians and the other for vehicles—the Government of Kosovo has allocated around three million euros, with the completion of the works expected in the fall.

Meanwhile, the Serb List has initiated a petition against the construction of the bridges over the Ibar River.

The President of the Serb List, Zlatan Elek, stated that the aim of the petition is to demonstrate the united stance of the Serbian people in rejecting unilaterally made decisions on projects that are detrimental to the Serbian community.