EU Parliament debates rising Kosovo-Serbia tensions

The European Parliament is set to discuss escalating tensions between Kosovo and Serbia this afternoon. Ahead of the debate, MEPs closely following the situation say both sides are responsible for restarting dialogue and preventing further conflict.

According to the Guardian, Slovak MEP Vladimír Bilčík, the parliament's Serbia negotiator, said in an interview that negotiations have stalled since Albin Kurti came to power in Kosovo. However, he was also critical of Serbia's role.

Bilčík called the recent deadly shootout in northern Kosovo "absolutely abhorrent and unacceptable." He said de-escalation and a full investigation are urgently needed, warning the situation could spiral out of control.

The MEP argued progress in EU membership talks provides an incentive for resolving disputes through dialogue rather than nationalism and isolationism.

Meanwhile, Green MEP Viola von Cramon-Taubadel expressed deep concern over the border tensions. She said the EU must reassess its Western Balkans strategy that currently focuses on stability over rule of law.

Cramon-Taubadel advocated immediately reinforcing NATO and EU forces on the ground as the best deterrent. She also called for engaging progressive voices across the region to find solutions.

The European Parliament debate comes amidst growing fears that dysfunctional Kosovo-Serbia relations could unleash broader instability. MEPs are urging a return to dialogue and a strategy rethink to strengthen democracy and defuse tensions.