The European Parliament will demand punitive measures against Serbia

2023-10-16 20:46:29, Kosova & Bota CNA

The European Parliament will demand punitive measures against Serbia

The head of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen, during the annual speech in the European Parliament

The political groups in the European Parliament (EP) are formulating their proposals for a special resolution on the developments in Kosovo and on the relations between Pristina and Belgrade.

Sources within the EP have told Radio Free Europe that based on what was stated in a discussion about the situation in Kosovo two weeks ago, it can be expected that in this resolution an invitation will be made for Kosovo and Serbia to return to dialogue mediated by Brussels, but punitive measures will also be required against Serbia.

Regarding the imposition of measures against Serbia, there is majority agreement in the EP, the sources said. However, decisions in this direction are taken by the Council of the EU in the case of classic sanctions, or the European Commission, which has the powers to impose punitive measures, as it has already decided against Kosovo.

This resolution will be placed in an accelerated procedure and is expected to be approved on October 19 during the plenary session of the EP.

According to the sources, the resolution is expected to require a full investigation into the attack on the Kosovo police on September 24 in the village of Banjské in Zveçan.

Kosovo has blamed Serbia for the attack by the armed group of Serbs on the Kosovo police, which left the policeman Afrim Bunjaku dead. Serbia has denied having a hand in this event.

Earlier, the EU has said that it is waiting for the end of the investigations and then it will take possible steps and measures.

Otherwise, the idea for such a resolution in the EP was presented by the social democratic deputy from Croatia, Tonino Piculla, and received the necessary support from the political groups.

It is now expected that each political group will present its own draft resolution. After that, a leader will be appointed who will coordinate in reaching a compromise on the amendments to the resolution. When the groups reach agreement on the joint text of the resolution, then it will be put to a vote in the plenary session of the EP./ REL