Orav: In the EU, we have different views on the Draft Statute of the CSM, decision rests with Sorensen

The EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, spoke in an interview for Klan Kosova about the draft statute of the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM), which was proposed by the EU. He stated that following Peter Sorensen’s visit to Kosovo, there were differing opinions on how to proceed with the process, but the final decision rests with Sorensen.

Orav explained that the draft statute, prepared by the European Union, was handed over in Pristina by Miroslav Lajcak, while his successor, Peter Sorensen, listened to the views of all parties on the matter during his visit.

"The statute was prepared by the EU and was delivered here by the former special envoy for dialogue. After Sorensen was here to hear the perspectives of all sides, we had differing opinions on how to proceed with the process. Again, it depends on him to decide whether something should be done differently or whether to continue on the same path," Orav stated.

"We listen to all messages in official meetings, behind closed doors, but we also analyze and monitor the media to see what politicians, civil society, and business leaders are saying, and we take all of that into account," he added.

Orav expressed hope that the United States and the European Union would continue working together as they have for years.

"Of course! Our hope is to continue working closely as before. Now, I would like to recall my previous work in North Macedonia. We worked hand in hand with the U.S. ambassador every day," Orav said.

He added that working together with the U.S. can achieve incredible results, as was the case when the technical government was formed in North Macedonia.

"My days in Kosovo are very busy. When I return home, I check my phone, and in recent days, even months, we have faced many surprises. If you follow global events, I now feel that nothing will surprise me anymore," Orav added.

"I truly hope that we—the European Union and the United States—will continue working together, not only in the Western Balkans and in Kosovo-Serbia relations but globally as well," he concluded.

Lifting Sanctions on Kosovo Requires Consensus

Orav also stated that the EU sanctions against Kosovo, introduced in June 2023, should be lifted, but he emphasized that a consensus among EU member states is required for this to happen. He added that the request to lift the sanctions has been made by all political actors as well as representatives of the business sector.

"I can say that in all meetings with political leaders in Kosovo—from the president to the business community—we have heard the same message regarding the sanctions, and I have conveyed it to Brussels. The sanctions were imposed a long time ago, and the former EU High Representative called on member states to lift them, but the decision lies with individual states, as consensus is needed in Brussels. The new government will soon be formed and will attempt to persuade the concerned member states to remove the sanctions," Orav explained.

Among the key issues that the Kosovo government must address to see the sanctions lifted, Orav highlighted de-escalation.

"When sanctions are being decided, my role as the EU ambassador is to defend the EU's position, and the EU's stance at this moment is that de-escalation must occur in order to lift the measures. This discussion is taking place in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission, after which a proposal is forwarded to the member states for discussion," he said.

Orav emphasized that he hopes the new Kosovo government will help convince all 27 EU member states to lift the sanctions imposed on Pristina.

Speaking about Kosovo’s candidacy for EU membership, he concluded that no discussions on the matter can take place as long as EU sanctions against Kosovo remain in effect.