Strong criticism of EU-Kosovo policy: Swiss parliamentarians send letter of protest to Brussels

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There are clear words with which Swiss parliamentarians address EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (64). According to the letter, they are “distressed” and concerned about the EU’s actions in the smoldering conflict between Serbia and Kosovo. EU policy towards Kosovo seems arbitrary and difficult to understand.

The letter was signed by 13 National Councilors and States Councillors, mainly from the SP, but also from the Greens, GLP and EVP. One of the co-signatories, SP co-chair Cédric Wermuth (37), announced this on Twitter on Thursday.

EU announced punitive measures

The letter comes in response to recent developments in the conflict surrounding northern Kosovo, which is largely inhabited by ethnic Serbs. The EU recently announced temporary punitive measures against Kosovo if Kosovan Prime Minister Albin Kurti (48) does not intervene and take steps to de-escalate the situation. Among other things, high-level meetings between the EU and Kosovo have been canceled and financial aid has been withheld.

The Swiss parliamentarians strongly criticize the unilateral measures. You fall behind “of all things the government in the Western Balkans which is probably most resolutely on the side of the Ukrainians and European democracy”. That was “disappointing”.

“Devastating Signal”

Co-signer Fabian Molina (32), national councilor of SP Zurich, speaks of a “devastating signal” that the EU is sending with the punitive measures. “You give the impression that it is Kosovo’s fault that the normalization process is not progressing. But that’s just not true.”

According to him, the problem is rather Serbia and its president Aleksandar Vučić (53). Molina accuses the EU of “reconciliation with Belgrade”.

EU should be on the books

In recent weeks, voices have also been heard from the EU Parliament harshly criticizing the attitude and actions of the EU Commission towards Kosovo. Austrian Conservative MEP Lukas Mandl (43) spoke to the “Tages-Anzeiger” about a pile of broken glass caused by von der Leyen and her diplomats. Kosovo has also made mistakes, but unlike Serbia, it is essentially on the right track.

One of them has international contact with other critics of the EU’s Kosovo policy, says Molina. Swiss politicians call on Commission President von der Leyen to reconsider the EU’s position. The Kosovars deserve “that Europe opens the door for them and does not abandon them”.

Source:Blick