EC calls for de-escalation efforts by Belgrade, Pristina, implementation of agreements

BRUSSELS - In conclusions adopted at a Brussels summit on Friday, the European Council said Belgrade and Pristina must "pursue sustained de-escalation efforts, as well as ensure the holding of new elections in the north of Kosovo as soon as possible, with the active participation of Kosovo Serbs," and added that failure to de-escalate tensions would have consequences.

"The European Council regrets the lack of implementation by both Parties of the Agreement on the path to normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as other agreements reached in the EU-facilitated dialogue, led by the High Representative and supported by the EU Special Representative. It calls on Kosovo and Serbia to implement them, without delay or preconditions. This includes the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb Majority Municipalities. Normalisation of relations is an essential condition on the European path of both Parties and both risk losing important opportunities in the absence of progress," the conclusions said.

The European Council also said it was "deeply concerned" about the security situation in the north of Kosovo and strongly condemned the violent attack on the so-called Kosovo Police on September 24.

"The European Union expects the perpetrators to be apprehended and swiftly brought to justice and Serbia to fully cooperate and take all the necessary steps in this regard," it said.

"The European Union will continue to work closely with the Western Balkans and support their reform efforts on their European paths," it also noted.