Stano: The EU will wait for the investigation into the events in the north to conclude before making any decisions

EU Spokesperson Peter Stano stated today that the Union would wait for the investigation into recent events in northern Kosovo to conclude before making any decisions or drawing conclusions.

"For us, it's important that the investigation is carried out and completed. When, based on the investigation, we have a full and clear picture of what happened, who is behind it, and who is responsible, then we will make the necessary decisions or conclusions," Stano said at a press conference in Brussels.

When asked to comment on the video released by the Government in Pristina, he said that at this stage, it was important to clarify all the facts and circumstances of the events and bring the responsible parties to justice. However, he emphasized that the EU would not make premature conclusions "based on one video or something published somewhere."

"The investigation must be fully carried out and completed for the EU to have a clear picture of what happened and who is responsible. Only then can we talk about the consequences," Stano emphasized.

He also noted that, independently of "this tragic event," there had always been a need for an urgent high-level meeting and a continuation of the dialogue.

"There are many reasons, regardless of what happened on Sunday, to continue the dialogue in the interest of Kosovo, Serbia, and the people of Kosovo and Serbia," Stano said.

He stressed that the EU never made premature conclusions or political judgments before obtaining an appropriate assessment of the situation and a complete picture of what had happened.

"We have a situation where a terrorist attack occurred in the north. The Kosovo Police are investigating, and the EULEX mission is assisting as a second security response, based on the needs and demands of the Kosovo Police," Stano added.

He reiterated that the EU would make decisions on further steps based on the results of the investigation.

EU spokesperson did not want to comment on the meeting of the EU Political and Security Committee held regarding the events in Kosovo, nor did he comment on reports that EU member states have called for measures against Serbia.

He stated that he was not authorized to speak about the meetings of this committee and emphasized that these were working meetings within the framework of the EU Council. He mentioned the meeting during yesterday's press conference as an illustration of activities taking place at the EU level related to this situation.

"If there is a decision to be made by member states, it will be done at the appropriate level and will be announced," Stano emphasized.

Stano stated that the engagement of member states continued in order to determine how progress could be made and how to resolve this situation.

Regarding possible measures, he stated that the EU had made it clear that measures could also be applied to Serbia.

"When the member states decide it is time to apply them, they will be applied. The decision of member states is to say which measures will be introduced and for what reason. But we are not yet in a position to announce anything specific at this stage," Stano noted.

He added that regarding the mayors in the four municipalities in northern Kosovo and the possibility of holding new elections, the EU's position had been clearly expressed last week in the statement.

"We have nothing to add at this stage beyond what the EU has clearly formulated regarding these elections and what the EU has conveyed to partners, both in the statement and more frequently and decisively during interactions with them at the negotiating table or in negotiation rooms. But not in the media or publicly. We do not do things that way when we want to solve problems," Stano concluded.