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In the European Parliament, the number of deputies criticizing the approach towards Kosovo by the European Union's envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, is increasing. The criticisms have intensified during the debate on punitive measures against Kosovo and after their approval.
Critics in the European Parliament consider the decision of the EU Council to take measures solely against Kosovo unjustifiable, while it is widely known that Serbia has never ceased its activities against the sovereignty and constitutional order of Kosovo.
Dutch MEP Thijs Reuten, from the Labour Party, stated in an interview with Euronews Albania that the EU is not responding appropriately to the stance of Serbia's President, Aleksandar Vucic, regarding Kosovo. He said that Vucic is an autocratic politician and has proven this not only through his approach towards Kosovo but also through the policies he pursues within his own country, which Reuten called "democracy only on paper."
"We have been highly critical of the overall approach of the EU and Lajcak. What the EU is failing to do is to acknowledge what happened in the north (of Kosovo) at the end of May. For over a decade, we have been dealing with an autocratic president in Serbia who is playing with international actors. The EU is not responding appropriately to this stance," the Dutch MEP said.
Reuten described the EU's measures against Kosovo as unacceptable.
"I think it is extraordinary to talk about measures against Kosovo while we are taking no action against Serbia. Perhaps the appointment of mayors to their offices could have been done differently, but that in no way justifies the EU's stance towards Mr. Kurti. I need to remind you that Kosovo is striving to maintain the rule of law, even by bringing those who attacked KFOR before justice. The EU should consider this," he said.
Reuten also pointed out that the EU has not reacted at all regarding the abduction of three Kosovo police officers by Serbian security forces.