Kosovo, Serbia reach ‘European solution’ over license plate dispute – POLITICO

Serbia and Kosovo reached an agreement on Saturday to resolve a dispute over the use of Serbian-issued license plates and identity cards in Kosovo, the EU said.

« We have an agreement, » said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted. « As part of the EU-facilitated dialogue, Serbia has agreed to abolish entry/exit documents for Kosovo ID card holders and Kosovo has agreed not to introduce them for Kosovo ID card holders. a Serbian identity card. »

“Kosovo Serbs, as well as all other citizens, will be able to travel freely between Kosovo and Serbia using their identity cards,” Borrell said, adding that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti had given guarantees. to this end.

Borrell said a « European solution » had been found between the two countries.

The announcements come as Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Friday that the talks had failed to ease tensions between the countries, despite continued efforts by European and US officials to iron out differences between Belgrade and Pristina.

The long-standing border line raised fears of an escalation in the region in early summer. Protesters blocked roads in northern Kosovo due to new rules requiring Kosovo Serbs to use Kosovo-issued car license plates and people entering the country to be issued with special entry documents to from September 1.

Growing tensions prompted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to say last week that peacekeepers were « ready to do more » in Kosovo if needed.