EU urges permanent solution between Serbia and Kosovo

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - European Union Commissioner Johannes Hahn on Friday urged Serbia and Kosovo to find a permanent solution.

EU's Commissioner for Enlargement Hahn's remarks came in a joint press conference with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic.

Hahn stressed that dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina plays a key role to the development of the Western Balkans.

"A permanent solution is essential," said Hahn.

Referring to Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj's resignation after being called to testify as a "suspect", Hahn said political issues must be resolved in order to continue the EU-mediated dialogue between the two countries.

Hahn said that the successful steps were taken in 2018, but the necessary efforts were not made in 2019, evaluating the EU accession process of the countries in the region.

Meanwhile, Brnabic said that Serbia adheres to the principles required by the EU accession process.

"Regional stability and co-operation are one of Serbia's greatest goals," said Brnabic.

"The regional co-operation is declining for the first time in years. One of the main reasons for this is that Kosovo applies 100 percent customs duties to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia," said Brnabic.

Following the visit to North Macedonia, Hahn arrived in Serbia on Thursday and met with President Aleksandar Vucic.

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj on Friday stepped down after being summoned as a war crimes suspect by a special tribunal in the Hague.

The dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo has began in 2011 after Kosovo declared independence from Serbian in 2008.

As Belgrade still insists that country was part of Serbia, EU has initiated the talks.

However, due to the political crisis between the two governments, the talks has stalled many times.

Lastly Kosovo imposed 100 % customs duty on products imported from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, until Serbia recognizes its independence.

Even though the EU and the United States urge Kosovo to withdraw its tax decision as soon as possible, Kosovo continues to ignore these calls.

Also, Kosovo in the early July announced to ban Serbian officials from entering the country.

Kosovo’s independence has been recognized by over 100 countries, including the U.S., Britain, France, Germany and Turkey. Those who have not yet recognized its independence include Serbia, Russia, and China