Golob: Sanctions against Serbia would not lead to a lasting solution; elections are needed in the north

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has called for caution regarding the potential adoption of sanctions against Serbia following the recent events in Banjska. He expressed doubt that their possible imposition would contribute to a lasting solution.

Speaking ahead of the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Golob told reporters that sanctions would not necessarily lead to a permanent resolution but stated that Slovenia would join if the EU had a unified position.

Golob said that the heads of states and governments had not yet discussed possible sanctions and emphasized that the solution to the current situation was to hold new elections in the four municipalities with a Serb majority in northern Kosovo.

"I think we need to be careful, consistent, and persistent," Golob said, expressing his belief that sanctions might not lead to a long-term solution.

He stated that it was necessary to clarify the situation and seek a long-term solution.

"If needed and if a unified position is formed, Slovenia will join," Golob said, adding that sanctions did not have to be the first and only step.

He condemned the recent events in Banjska and emphasized that the solution to the current situation in Kosovo lay in holding new elections in the four municipalities with a Serb majority in the north.