The lifting of measures against Kosovo is a dead end - however, it is also related to dialogue

Although the European Union officially claims that the measures against Kosovo are only related to the steps to reduce tensions, many diplomatic sources admit that their removal is also related to the dialogue process, therefore they have not been removed yet

A month ago, it seemed that the European Union would remove the measures from Kosovo, as the High Representative of the EU for foreign policy and security, Josep Borrell, had recommended such a thing in his report. After the discussions that took place after the submission of that report by the representatives of the member countries to the Committee for Politics and Security (PSC), the conclusion was reached for the gradual removal of the measures, since there was no agreement from the member countries for their complete removal. And, as diplomatic sources from many countries said, then "it only remained for Borrell on behalf of the EU to issue a communiqué announcing the lifting of the measures". 

The member countries immediately received a draft of such a declaration with a deadline until when they had to declare whether they agree or not. And in some versions, some member countries had expressed reservations and for this reason the measures have not been lifted, not even gradually.

Many diplomats of the member countries have told TIME that "they are no longer clear what is happening with this" and that they are waiting for the EU External Action Service (EEAS), which deals with this issue, to issued a statement. But the EEAS is now in consultation with those countries that have reservations and it is not known when there may be any concrete steps in this direction.   

The EU spokesman, Peter Stano, only reiterated that Borrelli submitted his report in June, that the content of the report is not public, and that consultations in the Council on this report are continuing. He reiterated that Borrelli himself had confirmed to journalists at the end of June that he had recommended the lifting of the measures.   

Although the EU officially claims that the measures against Kosovo are only related to the steps to reduce tensions, many diplomatic sources admit that their removal is also related to the dialogue process, so they have not been removed yet.

Some diplomats claim that "the obstacles are some member countries, especially those that have not recognized Kosovo", but they also mention the reluctance of France and Italy. It is said that Slovakia and Romania are also against it, which may also be the result of lobbying by Serbia so that the measures are not lifted. The same sources claim that there is mistrust on the part of some member countries towards Kosovo, especially after warnings that actions may be taken to open the bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica, which actions the EU came to see as "unilateral and uncoordinated ".  

On the other hand, some countries are not even sure what the purpose of the EEAS is. Although it has recommended the removal of the measures, it is not clear what communication they have individually with some member countries.

There are also member countries that are in favor of removing the measures but have not supported a version of the text according to which, if the measures are removed, they could be returned immediately if Kosovo takes any step that would be considered unilateral.

Some states have not been in favor of lifting all financial measures, as had been unofficially announced. Some countries want to remove the measures for projects financed by the EU, where companies from those countries are involved.

"We have an unclear situation and as a result the measures have not yet been lifted, neither completely nor partially. But we hope that a compromise will be reached", said an EU diplomat.

Even Borrell himself in his recommendation had somehow connected the lifting of the measures with the dialogue.

"The Council's decision would be a political signal and would contribute to a balanced context in which the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, facilitated by the EU, can move forward. Kosovo is expected to use this opportunity to act in a de-escalating manner and avoid uncoordinated actions," he said in his report to Borrell.

After Borrell's failure to hold a meeting between the Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti and the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, for which Borrell had left the responsibility to the Kosovar side saying publicly that Vučić was ready for a meeting and Kurti had conditions, there was no further advancement towards the removal of measures against Kosovo.

"The decision has become more difficult after the non-constructive behavior in the last meetings within the dialogue, both at a high level and at the level of the chief negotiators", said an EU source on condition of anonymity.

That is why some diplomats doubt that now in the EEAS the will to remove the measures is as great as it was when Borrell made the report. Even in the European Commission, there is no great will for the measures to be removed from Kosovo. As persons who do not have the will for such a thing, diplomats in the EU mention especially the Commissioner for Port Expansion Oliver Verhelyi and the General Director Jan Coppman.

Despite all this uncertainty that has put the removal of the measures at a dead end in the EU, they repeat that "work on this file is continuing".