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Kosovo-Serbia conflict resolution: Calls for new elections in four northern Kosovo municipalities 

Participants:EU, France, Germany, Kosovo, Serbia
Topic:Security & Peace
Summit:2nd summit - Moldova
Date:1 June 2023
Type:Verbal declaration
Pre-existing arrangement:Yes (EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue)

The meeting between Kosovo and Serbia with the participation of representatives of France, Germany and the EU took place during the 2nd EPC summit in Moldova. After the outbreak of violence in Kosovo in late May, French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz called for new elections in four northern Kosovo municipalities. As a result of the meeting, Kosovar President Osmani-Sadriu and Serbian President Vučić agreed to consider the possibility of holding new elections.

Follow-up

07/06/2023

Following a phone call between Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti and United States Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer and after EU member state pressure, Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu opened to the possibility of calling new elections in the north of Kosovo if 20% of voters sign a petition asking for them.

22/06/2023

The EU High Representative and Vice President Josep Borrell, together with the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Mr. Lajčák, held separate meetings with Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti and then with Serbian President Vučić. The sides agreed with the EU on the need for new elections. During the meeting, the EU also condemned unrightful arrests and mistreatment of prisoners. In this regard, Josep Borrell highlighted that the EULEX mission in Kosovo will play a key role in monitoring the situation on the ground. Josep Borrell also called for the immediate release of the three Kosovo police officers detained in Serbia.  

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