Borrell: Time for Belgrade, Pristina to Stop Tensions, Apply Agreement

Josep Borrell (BETAPHOTO/European Council/Frederic Sierakowski)

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell has said that it is high time for Belgrade and Pristina to "break the current vicious cycle of crises and tensions" and enter a new, European era by fulfilling agreements that were reached a year ago, the European External Action Service said in a press release on March 17.

"It is now high time for both Kosovo and Serbia to break the current vicious cycle of crises and tensions, and move into a new - European - era. The Agreement (on the path to normalization and the annex on its application) offers a better future for the citizens of Kosovo and Serbia and the entire region," reads the statement on the anniversary of the document.

Borrel said the EU expected the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia to demonstrate responsibility, vision and leadership by making progress in applying the agreement without further delay. "It is an opportunity they should not miss. The European Union continues to stand ready to help Kosovo and Serbia in every step along the way, but they are the ones who have to take those steps and move forward," the statement quotes Borrell as saying.

According to him, March 18 marks the first anniversary of the Agreement on the path to normalization reached by Belgrade and Pristina in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The agreement and an annex for its implementation were reached after months of intensive EU-mediated negotiations to help the two sides achieve a breakthrough in normalizing relations.