The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called on Friday from Serbia for the Serbian and Kosovar authorities to be «constructive» and «flexible» to reach an agreement to resolve the license plate crisis, just a few days before the expiration of the extension of the application of the rule for Kosovo to issue its own license plates to Serbian citizens in the north of the territory.
From Belgrade, the leader of the European Executive has assured the Serbian president, Aleksander Vucic, that she sees «possible» to reach a compromise to resolve this issue with Pristina. «I express my deep desire for progress in the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. I know that both sides are needed, but we know from experience that only through dialogue can we resolve conflicts and move forward in a way that is acceptable to all,» Von der Leyen said.
At a time of uncertainty due to the lack of agreement on the rule that next October 31 will impose Kosovar license plates and documents, which threatens to rekindle tensions in the Serb-majority north of Kosovo, the German conservative said she is «deeply convinced» that it is possible to reach a solution to the dispute.
«Talks are underway and we hope to have a concrete solution soon,» she reiterated, calling on Belgrade and Pristina to approach the talks in a «constructive» and «flexible» spirit.
For his part, the Serbian president has limited Belgrade’s responsibility in this crisis, accusing the Kosovar authorities of having acted unilaterally. «We will do what we can to preserve peace and stability,» Vucic assured the EU president in response to her calls.
The Kosovar rule that Serbs living in Kosovo will have to start using the territory’s official license plates on their cars is the source of tension this summer in northern Kosovo with road blockades and violent clashes. The deadline for implementing the law expires in November after several extensions agreed ‘in extremis’ between the parties with the mediation of the EU and the United States.
