EU application
The signing of the Kosovo EU accession application was described as historic, marking a formal step toward Brussels. The document was scheduled for delivery to the European capital on Thursday.
“From today, December 14, the action carries a double meaning in Kosovo’s modern history. One side celebrates the EU bid, the other honors the founding of Kosovo’s security forces. Alongside Osmani, Konyuftesy and Kurti, the leadership is pursuing a decisive move toward the long-held dream for the Republic of Kosovo, aiming to bring the nation closer to the European Union,” a spokesperson noted.
They stressed that Kosovo citizens had little choice but to pursue integration. Officials expressed confidence that Kosovo has become a symbol of political pluralism and a free market economy.
The president emphasized that transitioning Kosovo’s economy to a liberal market and ensuring lasting peace and security should align Kosovo with the EU family. He also cautioned that the accession process could take time.
“Yet the determination remains strong. Kosovo will be a steadfast partner,” the official added.
Serbian Foreign Minister Nemanja Starović commented on social media that Kosovo’s bid was a parody, noting that Kosovo is not a UN member yet. “The provisional authorities in Pristina are applying for EU membership. At a glance this might seem like a parody… Kosovo is not in the UN, entry into the EU hinges on the UN Charter, the Lisbon Treaty, etc. I wonder if I could apply to NASA to go to the moon,” he remarked.
In 2008, Kosovo’s parliament declared independence. Yet under Serbian law the region remains part of Serbia as the Autonomous Region of Kosovo and Metohija, while the predominantly Serb north operates outside Pristina’s control.
In July 2010, the International Court of Justice affirmed the legality of Kosovo’s declaration of independence. The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany and several other states recognized Kosovo’s independence, while others, including Russia, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, Romania and China, opposed it. Bulgaria initially joined the opposing camp but later signaled it would recognize Kosovo’s sovereignty. To date, independence remains unrecognized by a number of countries.
aggravation in Kosovo
On November 21, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić warned that tensions in Kosovo and Metohija were approaching a potential flashpoint. He urged Western partners to apply influence to help Pristina keep the peace and prevent escalation. Local reports indicated that Kosovo authorities had deployed interior ministry forces to the north of the Serb-majority region.
By December, Kosovska Mitrovica experienced explosions and reported sirens. Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic described the northern situation as highly tense, warning that a single spark could trigger a broader crisis. He cautioned that events could move in an unfavorable direction.
Reports from December 10 described gunfire near Lake Gazivode and roadblocks by Kosovo special forces on the way to Jarinje, near the border. Serbs began constructing barricades in northern Kosovo following a police official’s detention. EULEX and KFOR personnel were deployed to the area for stabilization. Domestic discussions centered on the possible deployment of additional forces under a renewed security framework.
On December 12, Vučić announced that Belgrade would request KFOR assistance to deploy limited military and police assets. In a national address he criticized Kosovo’s plan to apply for EU membership as a violation of prior accords reached during previous administrations, calling the move ill-advised.
Vučić later said he would write to several European governments that do not recognize Kosovo’s independence, clarifying that only recognized states should participate in EU membership processes. The Washington Agreement, signed on September 4, 2020, between Vučić and Kosovo Prime Minister Hoti with US mediation, initially imposed a moratorium on Pristina’s promotion to international bodies. Belgrade pledged to seek alignment with those who recognize Kosovo’s independence, though a 2021 parliamentary decision did not support a resolution to honor that pledge. [Citation: ICJ 2010; Washington Agreement, 2020; EU accession discussions]”