The EU is concerned about the consequences of the decision of the Central Bank of Kosovo

2024-02-01 09:48:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The EU is concerned about the consequences of the decision of the Central Bank

Illustrative photo

The European Union expressed concern about the decision of the Central Bank of Kosovo for payments only in euros, since according to the bloc, this decision, which prevents the use of Serbian dinars, may have consequences in the daily life of Serbs in Kosovo.

According to the EU, for this decision, which enters into force on February 1, there were no prior consultations "except for the impact it may have on hospitals and schools, given the "lack of alternatives at this moment".

"The EU points out that this regulation will also affect the financial support that Kosovo Serbs receive from Serbia", it was said in the statement issued by the European Union on February 1.

The EU called on Kosovo to offer a long transition period and "find a negotiated solution to this issue within the dialogue mediated" by the bloc.

"The short transition period for implementing the regulation, together with the lack of information and practical solutions for all affected communities, risks seriously complicating their lives," the EU said.

The Government of Kosovo said that the implementation of the regulation on cash operations will be done through an easy transition.

Previously, the international community, including the EU, had called on Kosovo to postpone the implementation of the CBK regulation.

The Government of Kosovo has stated that the CBK regulation does not mean that the transfer of money from Serbia will be stopped and it also does not mean financial penalties for the possession of currencies of other countries.

However, from February 1, the import of money will not be allowed if the institutions that make the import are not licensed by the CBK.

On January 31, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, stated that he will launch a campaign to inform citizens about this regulation, adding that he hopes that there will be talks between the central banks of Kosovo and Serbia to find a mechanism for transparent transfer of tools.

The entry into force of the CBK regulation has raised concerns among the Serbian population in Kosovo, which has been using the Serbian dinar to make payments. With this currency, employees in Serbian institutions in Kosovo received their salary, but pensions were also paid with dinars, according to the Serbian system, as well as child allowances and social benefits.

Also, in areas where Serbs live, dinars are used in commercial establishments, while in the four municipalities with a Serbian majority in the north, prices are in dinars.

Lista Serbe, the main party of the Serbs in Kosovo, previously said that the decision of the Central Bank of Kosovo endangers the survival of the Serbs in Kosovo./REL