Gervalla: Sanctions against Kosovo were imposed by Borrell and Lajcak

Kosovo’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gervalla, stated that the punitive measures against Kosovo were introduced by the former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the former EU Special Representative for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak. She emphasized that the recognitions Kosovo continues to receive from other countries are the result of collective efforts by multiple actors, including friendly states, Klan Kosova reports.

Gervalla said that Syria’s recent recognition of Kosovo was particularly joyful because it was announced by President Vjosa Osmani herself rather than by other intermediaries.

“Every recognition has multiple authors, because without coordination of capacities, potential, and contacts, no recognition can happen. The alignment of Kosovo’s internal potential — together with our friends and with members of our diaspora living and working in those countries — is key. Without these three elements, there are no recognitions of the Republic of Kosovo. Therefore, credit belongs to many. I am especially pleased when the first image following a new recognition shows a woman in the highest political office — the President of the Republic — because that reflects the normality of our state. We respect hierarchy, we respect institutions, and news that comes from our President’s own words is far more uplifting than when it arrives through other channels,” Gervalla stressed.

She claimed that the number of countries recognizing Kosovo has now reached 120.

Gervalla accused former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and former EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak of being responsible for introducing punitive measures against Kosovo.

She explained that these measures were imposed after KFOR soldiers were injured in northern Kosovo.

“The measures were introduced when hooligans from Serbia, accompanied by some of our citizens, came to the north under Serbia’s instructions and attacked NATO soldiers. Hungarian and Italian troops were injured, some seriously — they lost limbs that had to be amputated. At that moment, the European Union didn’t even consider any other response. Instead of demanding accountability from those who caused the violence, it imposed measures on Kosovo. It was an inexplicable situation — one in which Borrell and Lajcak believed that all talks with Kosovo should take place under unacceptable pressure,” Gervalla said.

When asked whether the sanctions were a “gift from Borrell and Lajcak,” she replied:

“Yes, certainly. They were imposed via an email that, at the time, no one challenged.”

Gervalla added that the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is now working toward lifting the EU’s measures against Kosovo.