Stano: EU introduced measures against Kosovo; Kurti failed to take steps for de-escalation

EU spokesperson Peter Stano said today at the press conference that Brussels was introducing measures against Kosovo, and that some had been implemented immediately, but also that the next steps and additional measures were being discussed.

Stano stated that the measures introduced against Kosovo were temporary and could be abolished.

"There are no sanctions against Kosovo, but there are a series of measures or proposals for a series of measures, and some have been implemented immediately and some are being discussed further, and the members will discuss and decide whether to take the next step. The spectrum of measures is relatively broad, but they can be revoked, they are temporary and will be introduced in accordance with the development of the situation on the ground," Stano says.

When asked about the local elections held on April 23 in four municipalities in the north of Kosovo, Stano said that the turnout was "very, very low and they did not bring the necessary solution to the situation.

"They only contributed to a new escalation of violence. We have an eruption of tensions and violence. There are so many problems and challenges. We are trying to help overcome the crisis," Stano said.

Stano stated that during the previous days, they had had very intensive contacts at the highest level between the European Union and partners from both sides, in order to find a way to get out of the status quo in Kosovo, as he states, "again we have a situation that shows us that there is no de-escalation".

"We said the status quo had to be ended; we had to get out of the crisis and continue the process of calming the situation in the north of Kosovo. We repeat our calls to Prime Minister Kurti, who in this case failed to take steps to de-escalate the conflict," Stano said.

He added that the diplomatic activities of the European Union would continue and that 27 EU members had prepared restrictive measures that would be applied and that would have effects in relation to Kosovo.

"We still expect Prime Minister Kurti to take steps to immediately de-escalate the conflict, and if this does not happen, the consequences will be the suspension of high-level contacts," Stano said.