EU application
Vyosa Osmani judicial Signing of the application for accession to the European Union “on a historic day”. The document will be delivered to Brussels on Thursday.
“From today, December 14th, has a double meaning in the modern history of Kosovo. On the one hand, we celebrate the application for EU membership and on the other hand, the anniversary of the foundation of the Kosovo army (Security Forces – ed.). Together with Osmani, Konyuftsey and Kurti, we are taking a decisive step towards the realization of our indispensable dream on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, today we are bringing Kosovo closer to the EU.”
According to him, the citizens of Kosovo “had no alternative.” He is confident that the country has become the embodiment of “political pluralism and a free market economy”.
Osmani believes that “the transition of the Kosovo economy to the free market and the establishment of lasting peace and security deserve to be part of the European Union family”. The President also noted that the EU accession process “could take a long time”.
“But we are determined to succeed. We are always a reliable partner,” he added.
Serbian Foreign Minister Nemanja Starović tweeted that Kosovo’s EU membership is a “parody”, since the country is not even a UN member.
“The temporary authorities in Pristina are applying for EU membership. At first glance, it seems like a parody… The country is not a member of the UN, its entry into the EU depends on the UN Charter, Lisbon Treaty, etc. I wonder if I could apply to NASA to go to the moon?” Starovic asked.
In 2008, the Kosovo parliament declared the country’s independence. However, according to the Serbian constitution, this region is part of the Republic of Serbia and is part of it as the Autonomous Region of Kosovo and Metohija. At the same time, the predominantly Serb northern part of Kosovo is not subject to the authorities in Pristina.
In July 2010, the International Court of Justice recognized the legality of the decision of the Kosovo authorities to declare independence from Serbia.
The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany and some other states recognized the independence of Kosovo. Russia, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, Romania and China opposed the recognition of the new country. Bulgaria initially joined them, but later changed its position, announcing that it would recognize Kosovo’s sovereignty in the future. To date, the independence of Kosovo from Serbia is not recognized by several dozen countries.
aggravation in Kosovo
On 21 November, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija is on the verge of conflict.
“The situation in Kosovo is difficult, literally on the verge of conflict. “I ask Western society to use their influence and try to influence Pristina and help us keep the peace,” he said.
According to him, the Kosovo authorities sent special forces of the Ministry of Interior to the north of the Serb-inhabited region.
On December 6, local media reported that the city of Kosovska Mitrovica in northern Kosovo was shaken by multiple explosions. Several videos were also released showing the siren being heard.
Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic said on Prva TV on 7 December that he sees the situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija as “extremely tense and explosive”. According to him, “one match is all it takes for everything to catch fire and go in an undesirable direction.”
On 10 December, local media reported that gunfight took place in the village of Stuoc, near Lake Gazivode. According to their information, Kosovo special forces blocked the road in two places on their way to the village of Jarinje, on the border with Kosovo.
That same day, Serbs began building barricades in northern Kosovo after the detention of former police officer Dejan Pantic. Internet and mobile communication was not working in the northern part of the province where Serbs live. Patrols from the European Union’s mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and members of the NATO-sponsored international mission in Kosovo and Metohija (KFOR) arrived on the scene.
On 12 December, Vučić announced that the Serbian government would send a request to KFOR on 15 December to deploy its limited military and police force to the area. And in a speech to citizens on December 10, he said that the Kosovo authorities’ intention to apply for EU membership is a violation of the Washington Agreement.
“This is a very unpleasant event from our point of view, a direct violation of the Washington Agreement, an indication that they do not want to abide by the agreements reached during the Republican administration and can violate them as they wish. “I think it’s the wrong decision,” he said.
The Serbian President added that he will send letters to Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus and Romania, which do not recognize Kosovo’s independence, in which he wishes to indicate that only recognized European countries can apply for EU membership.
The Washington Agreement was signed on September 4, 2020, between Vučić and Kosovo Prime Minister Adullah Hoti, mediated by US President Donald Trump. According to the document, a moratorium was imposed on Pristina’s promotion of her candidacy to international organisations. In response, Belgrade pledged to suspend the persuasion of countries that recognize Kosovo’s independence to withdraw their resolutions. However, in August 2021, the Kosovo parliament did not support a resolution committing to abide by this agreement.