Latinovic: Reasons for the gradual lifting of EU sanctions on Kosovo are not related to why they were imposed

According to former ambassador and member of the Forum for International Relations Branka Latinovic, the sanctions imposed by the European Union on Kosovo two years ago were more effective in terms of suspending EU negotiations with Pristina regarding the Stabilization and Association Agreement and in financial project areas, while the political component of these measures had no visible impact.

Since the EU measures were introduced in June 2023, Latinovic says, there have been no discussions or commission meetings related to the Stabilization and Association Agreement, and projects that were supposed to be financed were halted, despite Kosovo being a major recipient of European funds on various grounds.

"That part was certainly felt, considering that these projects concern the rehabilitation of roads, railways, heating, sewage networks, and so on. To what extent – those are data we cannot know. On the other hand, the political sanctions, which involved not inviting Kosovo representatives to high-level events, had no effect, as representatives from Pristina continued to be invited to all major gatherings held as part of regional processes, except for one in Ukraine, specifically in Odesa. But that was a decision made by Ukrainian authorities, who are not EU members. Nonetheless, it sent a relevant message and had an impact," Latinovic explained.

She added that the reason the Kosovo Prime Minister was not present at recent summits is probably because the government in Pristina is currently a caretaker (technical) one.

“What I find particularly interesting is the explanation Kaja Kallas gave during her visit to Pristina about why the EU is gradually lifting sanctions. These are not the reasons the sanctions were imposed in the first place. It is a kind of reward or recognition for the Pristina authorities for holding elections that took place peacefully and for meeting certain standards, meaning the suspension of sanctions is starting for a completely different reason,” Latinovic emphasized.

On the other hand, she noted, it was stressed that the Pristina authorities must make additional efforts to prevent further escalation in the north and that all activities they undertake must be in line with what is expected of them.

"The EU is maintaining its leverage by retaining the option to halt the lifting of sanctions if Pristina does not behave as the EU expects regarding the north. I would say it's a kind of balancing act, but I don't see it having a major effect either. It would be very beneficial if talks were to resume to address the issues that are critical for the Serbian population in the north," Latinovic said.

She believes that the EU will continue to monitor developments in the north closely and that this does not mean unilateral actions can continue without Pristina being punished again.