Stano: The EU has not yet seen steps towards true de-escalation; measures imposed on Kosovo are a response to the situation before September 24

EU spokesperson Peter Stano stated today that EU member states had not seen enough satisfactory steps towards true de-escalation and reminded that the measures imposed on Kosovo were a direct response to the escalation of the situation before September 24.

Stano reminded that the EU had been clear that until there were sufficient steps leading to de-escalation, the measures would remain in place, and he highlighted that there was no other path for Belgrade and Pristina except through dialogue.

"The EU is a mediator in the dialogue. There is nothing new to be said; the path of Serbia and Kosovo to the EU inevitably goes through dialogue. Both sides must understand that dialogue must continue. When it comes to the investigation into the events in Banjska, I repeat, once the investigation is concluded and the responsible parties behind the attack are identified, then we can take certain steps," Stano said.

He added that the EU had made it clear on several occasions that it was ready for restrictive measures.

"The EU is clear that if there is no de-escalation if the situation escalates, we are ready to introduce certain measures, some of which have already been presented. We are ready, if EU member states assess it, to introduce measures not only against Kosovo but also against Serbia. These measures are flexible; they can be introduced, eased, or lifted," Stano emphasized.

He stated that Brussels was currently interested in seeing clear steps towards de-escalation, a return to dialogue by both sides and was waiting for the report on the events since September 24.

"We expect full cooperation from Serbia; if there is willingness, there are also ways to cooperate. It is not our role to send messages through the media; our Serbian partners know very well what they need to do and what is expected of them," Stano said.