EU: Declaring two organizations in the north as terrorist does not contribute to de-escalation

The European Union has stated that the decision of the Kosovo Government to declare the "Civil Protection" and the "Northern Brigade" as terrorist organizations is a unilateral step that does not contribute to reducing tensions, Radio Free Europe reports.

"The declaration of terrorist organizations is a unilateral step and does not contribute to the de-escalation of the situation or finding ways to address existing problems in a sustainable manner," EU spokesperson Peter Stano said in a response to RFE.

As Stano added, the leaders of the 27 EU member states called for an urgent de-escalation of the situation in northern Kosovo in a meeting held last week.

"We reiterate the call for both sides to refrain from any action or rhetoric that could lead to further escalation of tensions and to take urgent steps to de-escalate the current situation in northern Kosovo in line with the proposal of EU High Representative Josep Borrell," Stano said.