Imeri: New Bridges on the Ibar unnecessary, could spark additional tensions

Political analyst Visar Imeri commented on the recent statement by the German Embassy in Kosovo regarding the construction of two new bridges over the Ibar River, in which the embassy called on Kosovo authorities to refrain from escalatory actions. He described the reaction as a clear message, diplomatically phrased, directed not only at Serbia but also at the government of Kosovo. He also pointed out that once the bridges are built, KFOR troops will likely be deployed in the area, Demokracija reports.

“The reaction of the German Embassy says it very diplomatically: ‘You have other problems, man.’ They replied to Serbia, but also said: ‘You have many other problems,’” said Imeri, implying that the focus should be on substantive political issues, not construction projects.

Imeri emphasized that, according to the embassy, the problem is not the infrastructure itself but the lack of a political agreement on normalizing the situation in the north. Considering the construction of two new bridges unnecessary, he added that instead of easing movement, they could increase tensions and prompt international interventions.

“There is no need for those two bridges. We're not underwater to require two more bridges, especially knowing that once they are built, KFOR will likely be stationed there, and everything will resemble the current situation with the main bridge—until a final agreement is reached on the status of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities and other previously concluded agreements,” Imeri concluded.

To recall, the German Embassy in Pristina issued a statement acknowledging the recent letter by the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, in which he urged the European Union, its member states, and other relevant stakeholders to stop Pristina’s escalatory actions and the planned construction of the two new bridges over the Ibar.

The statement further emphasized that the German Embassy has consistently stated in its responses to the media that it calls on the Government of Kosovo to refrain from escalatory actions, while also stressing that calls for de-escalation must apply equally to all parties.