Kosovo and Serbia’s leaders set to meet EU’s Kaja Kallas amid rising tensions

Brussels, December 2, 2024 – Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, and Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić, will meet with the European Union’s new foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, on December 3. However, the meetings will not be part of the ongoing EU-led talks to normalize relations between the two nations.

The discussions, confirmed by EU spokesperson Anita Hipper, come at a time of heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. Kallas, who started her mandate on December 1, will hold separate talks with both leaders as she navigates her role in the long-running dialogue process, which began in 2011.

Speaking on December 2, Hipper condemned the recent attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal, calling it a “terrorist act” targeting Kosovo’s critical infrastructure. She urged cooperation with Kosovo’s authorities to catch the attackers.

The meetings with Kallas will not be part of the official EU dialogue process, Hipper clarified. However, the leaders will also meet separately with European Council President Antonio Costa before attending an informal dinner with all Western Balkan leaders, hosted by Costa.

The talks come amid rising accusations. Kosovo blames Serbia for the attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal, while Serbia denies involvement, saying it is investigating the incident.

Kosovo authorities have arrested several suspects and seized weapons and military equipment in the north of the country, home to a large Serb population. The attack took place in Varragë, a village in the Serb-majority municipality of Zubin Potok.

The Ibër-Lepenc canal is essential for supplying water to Kosovo’s northern regions and cooling its power plants.

The international community has condemned the attack, calling for both sides to de-escalate tensions and ensure those responsible face justice.