EP calls for abolition of Serbian institutions in north

The EP stressed that the partition of Kosovo was not a solution.

EP's Foreign Policy Committee will discuss the draft resolution on Monday.

The EP "acknowledged the end of Kosovo's supervised independence" based on the International Steering Group's stance that "the solution for Kosovo's status has been essentially implemented".

The EP believes that the EU can reach a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo even though five EU member states do not recognize Kosovo's independence and "encourages the five members to recognize Kosovo".

Former Ministry for Kosovo State Secretary Oliver Ivanovic told that it was no secret that several MEPs strongly advocate that Kosovo get a shortcut for the signing of the SAA.

"Still, I think that this is not realistic and that no member state will verify it because it will certainly lead to polarization in the EU. Five countries will not agree to it, I think it is a wish of individuals and that it has no political power so I think that it will only remain a proposal," Ivanović pointed out.

The EP "expressed concern over lack of serious progress in combat against organized crime and corruption" in Kosoovo and requested that high-level corruption be curbed.

The EP in the document requested "abolition of parallel structures in northern Kosovo that are maintained by the Serbian state".

The EP "regrets that, despite progress, the return of refugees and displaced persons still represents a challenge, especially due to security-related incidents".

The continuation of the Belgrade-Priština dialogue is also welcomed in the document. The EP noted "that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton's mediation in the dialogue has given a new impetus" and requested that all agreements, especially the one on the integrated crossings management, be implemented.

The MEPs underscored that "partition of Kosovo is not a solution" and welcomed "support to the territorial integrity of Kosovo that was expressed by the European Commission".

They added that Priština needed to implement constitutional regulations on decentralization of the authorities and that "Kosovo authorities need to take further steps to meet the Serb minority halfway, especially in the north". The EP added that Priština needed to strengthen cooperation with Kosovo Serbs.

The EP stressed that the European Court of Auditors' report on EULEX "causes great concern" but added that this was "due to difficulties caused by the fact that five EU countries do not recognize Kosovo".

The European Court of Auditors said recently that the level of corruption and organized crimes in Kosovo was still high despite hundreds of millions of euros invested.

The EP also called on the European Council to give Serbia a date for the beginning of the EU talks as soon as possible.