Representatives of Germany, France, and the U.S. in Kosovo: The situation in the North has not fully de-escalated

Representatives of Germany, France, and the United States in Kosovo believe that the security situation in the four northern municipalities has not fully de-escalated and assess that the actions of the Government of Kosovo in shutting down Serbian institutions in the north do not contribute to that, Koha reports. On the other hand, the spokesperson of the outgoing government, Përparim Kryeziu, claims that the situation in the four northern municipalities has improved thanks to the measures taken by the relevant institutions.

In a written statement, the German Embassy in Kosovo stated that the actions of the Kosovo government have negatively affected citizens.

"From Germany's perspective, recent events in the north have not led to de-escalation. On the contrary, the actions of the Kosovar authorities have contributed to an increased sense of insecurity among the affected population," the Embassy said in its response.

The statement further emphasizes that the Government of Kosovo must provide a solution to the concerns of the communities affected by the actions in the north.

"We have consistently called on the Government of Kosovo to take steps that genuinely engage the affected communities and ensure that their concerns are taken into account. A climate that fosters stability, inclusion, and a sustainable path toward a prosperous and secure future for all communities in Kosovo is needed," the Embassy added.

French Ambassador to Kosovo Olivier Guérot assessed that the situation in the north is stable but fragile.

According to him, the closure of illegal institutions in the north does not aid in de-escalating the situation and such actions send negative signals to Kosovo’s partners.

"Unilateral and uncoordinated actions undermine efforts to build trust between communities, risk escalating tensions, and must therefore be halted. Both Kosovo and Serbia need to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated dialogue to implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements and address the issue of Serb-led structures. This includes the establishment of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities," Guérot stated.

According to the French ambassador, after serious incidents such as the Banjska attack and the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal, "some de-escalation has occurred in the north."

"The past year has been marked by tensions and several very violent incidents, including the Banjska attack and the explosive attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal. I am convinced that people want nothing more than a peaceful life and economic development. It is the responsibility of Kosovo authorities, at both central and local levels, to ensure the appropriate framework to achieve this. Political issues between Kosovo and Serbia should be resolved through the EU-facilitated dialogue," Guérot emphasized.

The U.S. Embassy stated that security and stability in Kosovo are essential for the region. A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy called for resolving the status of illegal institutions through dialogue with Serbia.

"Security and stability in Kosovo are essential for the country and the region. Sudden changes in the status of institutions jeopardize the provision of vital services to Kosovo’s citizens. It is the responsibility of the Government of Kosovo to ensure that all its citizens can live in peace and have their needs met. The Government of Kosovo should discuss how the status of these institutions will be resolved in a coordinated manner, through established channels such as the EU-led dialogue," the statement reads.

However, Kosovo government officials hold a different view. Spokesperson Përparim Kryeziu believes that the situation in the four northern municipalities has improved due to the measures taken by competent institutions.

"In the four northern municipalities, particularly in recent years, we have increased the services of public enterprises and state agencies for citizens, while also enhancing public safety. In less than a year, over 300 new businesses have opened there, which means more jobs and greater prosperity for residents—proof of normalization, security, and improvement of the situation in these municipalities," Kryeziu stated.

Regarding the closure of parallel structures, Kryeziu said that these had undermined citizens' security.

"In the north of the country, particularly in the four northern municipalities, there were illegal Serbian structures operating unlawfully and unconstitutionally, offering parallel services that seriously harmed the integration process of our Serbian citizens. For a long time, an abnormal situation has existed there, with individuals, groups, and structures violating the country’s constitution and citizens’ safety. Our state institutions have a responsibility to take action based on data and evidence of unlawful activities," Kryeziu said.

Over the past few weeks, Kosovo authorities have continued activities in the north aimed at taking control of facilities and services previously managed by Serbian institutions.