A group of MEPs engaged in the Western Balkans expressed deep concern over the situation in the north of Kosovo and called the European Union to continue efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent tensions at the Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings. Serbia and Kosovo must urgently find a peaceful and sustainable solution in order to ensure the security and safety of all citizens,” the statement signed by rapporteurs for Serbia and Kosovo Vladimir Bilcik and Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, Tanja Fajon (Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee) and Romeo Franz (Chair of the Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo).

The MEPs called for the withdrawal of special police and any army units and the dismantling of roadblocks. “Unilateral actions and provocations and inflammatory rhetoric, which increase tensions and affect the well being of local communities, should stop,” the statement said.

It called the European Union and its partners to continue efforts to de-escalate the crisis and urged the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo to use the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue to resolve all open issues, including those related to freedom of movement.

“We reiterate that the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is a precondition for the EU accession of both countries, and is also essential for securing stability and prosperity in the wider region. We urge both sides to actively and constructively re-engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue led by the EU Special Representative, seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and legally binding agreement,” the MEPs said.