EU Commission's Proposal Pose a Threat to Democracy in Kosovo
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EU Commission's Proposal Pose a Threat to Democracy in Kosovo
The European Commission's hypocritical proposed measures are a threat against Kosovo. Measure's Pack exposes EU's disregard for democracy and their alignment with Serbia's autocratic aggression.
In a startling display of hypocrisy, the European Commission has unveiled its intention to enforce coercive measures against the Democratic Republic of Kosovo, effectively subjecting it to the territorial aggression of autocratic Serbia, aligned with the Kremlin. This move not only reeks of double standards but also exposes the EU Commission's disregard for democratic principles.
The European Commission's alarming decision to impose coercive measures on Kosovo, while turning a blind eye to Milorad Dodik's actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlights their hypocrisy and disregard for democratic principles.
Josep Borrell’s Commission has reportedly compiled a proposal for a package of measures aimed at the Kosovo government and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, whom they accuse of lacking the political will to take necessary steps towards de-escalating the situation in northern Kosovo. These proposed measures include the suspension of high-level invitations and bilateral visits to Kosovo, except those focused on resolving the crisis in the northern part of the country. Additionally, there is a suggestion to reduce the presence of Kosovo government members at public events related to EU financial cooperation.
The video shared by Radio Free Europe clearly shows that the armed militias supported by Belgrade are the ones responsible for inciting and organizing violence in northern Kosovo. These militias not only used firearms against NATO peacekeeping troops, as confirmed by KFOR, but also targeted civilians, journalists, and Kosovan police units. It is concerning that EU Commissioner Borrell seems to be openly endorsing criminal acts against democracy and the rule of law.
It is important to note that shortly after Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Sveqla confirmed the arrest of Milun Milenkovic-Llune, a key figure in organizing recent attacks against NATO troops and leader of the criminal group "Civil Defense," EU's Josep Borrell proposed a set of measures. The timing of Borrell's proposal is significant.
Furthermore, the proposal calls for a significant suspension of EU funding to Kosovo, starting with the halt of approving and implementing Kosovo's proposals in the latest round of the Western Balkans Investment Fund, as well as the suspension of some subcommittees between the EU and Kosovo under the Stabilization and Association Agreement. These measures are a clear indication that the European Commission is willing to undermine the sovereignty and stability of Kosovo for the sake of appeasing Serbia, regardless of its autocratic tendencies and close alignment with the Kremlin.
EU spokesperson Peter Stano confirmed on Tuesday that the European diplomatic chief's office shared a draft of these measures with EU member states, emphasizing that they should be taken if Prime Minister Kurti fails to take adequate and immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and reduce tensions. While EU member states are not obligated to implement these proposed measures, it is expected that they will comply.
Diplomatic sources to Radio Free Europe from several EU member states have revealed that some countries have already taken similar measures that mirror elements of the proposal put forth by Josep Borrell's office. This coordination only underscores the alarming trend of the European Commission's biased stance, prioritizing Serbia's interests over the principles of democracy and the well-being of the people of Kosovo.
It is worth noting that just a few weeks ago, the EU demanded that the Kosovo authorities act in a non-escalator manner and immediately halt police operations near municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. They also urged newly elected mayors in four municipalities in the north to temporarily carry out their duties in alternative locations, away from the municipal buildings and called for early elections. The EU warned that it was prepared to take measures against politicians who refused to take action to calm the situation. However, despite these demands, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not offer guarantees that he would subjugate his democratic republic of Kosovo to Serbia’s aggression.
This Tuesday, June 13, Prime Minister Kurti confirmed that he had presented a proposal to reduce tensions in northern Kosovo to the Quint countries (United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy), which he subsequently forwarded to Borrell. Kurti's plan, consisting of five points, includes the identification, prosecution, and trial of all members of criminal groups responsible for attacks on the police, NATO forces, and journalists. It also entails the withdrawal of violent forces from Kosovo's territory and the prohibition of criminal acts against Kosovo's institutions.
Commenting on the content of the proposal, EU spokesperson Peter Stano deemed it insufficient, stating,
"So far, we have not seen any decisive and urgent steps by Prime Minister Kurti that are necessary to de-escalate the situation."
This recent development serves as a stark reminder that the European Commission's commitment to democracy is nothing more than a fairy tale. By aligning themselves with the Milosevic-inspired fascism of Serbia, they are disregarding the principles they claim to uphold. The people of Kosovo deserve better than to be subjected to the whims of autocratic regimes and the geopolitical manoeuvring of the European Commission. It is high time for the EU to reevaluate its approach and stand up for the democratic aspirations of the people it claims to represent.
