EU Warns Kosovo Against Opening the Bridge To Avoid Tensions in the North

The EU has warned Kosovo not to reopen a controversial bridge in the country’s north, cautioning that it risks being isolated if it does. This comes after Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced plans to fully open the main bridge that separates the Serb-majority north from the ethnic Albanian south. His plans sparked protests as Serbs said they wouldn't feel safe if the bridge is reopened. It was supposed to be open to traffic in 2017 after an agreement in Brussels but, until now, it’s only been open to pedestrians. The EU insists the issue should be revisited as part of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, and any such move without coordination could lead to tensions.

Across The Balkans, hosted by Nafisa Latic, is TRT World’s programme that focuses specifically on the issues and fault lines shaping Southeast Europe today.

Watch other episodes of ‘Across the Balkans’

Subscribe:

[fatmirzajmi]

It is open for People, they can cross but it is closed for Vehicles and this is abnormal.

[bashkimbajrami]

The bridge is inside the Republic of Kosova. The bridge belongs to all citizens of the Kosova .

[aydilla]

Something tells me EU gains something from the bridge keeping closed...

[vasilijevasictrob]

It's funny how much the EU is fighting for the independence of Kosovo, and then you see Albanians in Kosovo raising the Albanian flag, even the KLA flag, and saying it's Albanian. This is a great proof that Kosovo is "Independent".

[petars.]

There is 2 bridges that is OPEN down stream and up stream, they are open for pedestrians and cars. Thisone is closed for vehicles because it prevents Kurti Police for suprice attack to Serbian People in North Mitrovica, and cosse mass movement of Serbs from (Kosovo) North Mitrovica, completing Genocide of Serbian People in Kosovo, and that could cosse Setbian Military operation, because Serbian President promiced that "There will be no more "Operation Storm"" like one in Croatia (sister war crime to Srebrenica war crime in 1995 when 200 000 Serbs left Croatia!

[heraschoice]

Don't try to understand dear. That's just another EU hypocrisy. On one side they say no discrimination, living together, no borders and all the good things. On the other side they stop opening a Bridge and threatening the most EU loving country in the Balkans. This is only one way to say it and our President said it best, the EU is doing racial discrimination to the Kosovar citizens. And rewarding Serbia who by the way is led by Vucic the prior Minister of Propaganda for the Miloshevic's regime. So what do you think about that?

[Shahed_Alam.]

Pray for Bangladesh and Pakistan from all of you🇧🇩✊🇵🇰

[suryanaray]

In india Pulwama attack FBI investigation is necessary through the UNO please to give justice to the brave and innocent soldiers in india

[maskinisten]

🇦🇱✝️🇦🇱 it will open, Serbs can cry all they want. They are not even 3% of total pop of Kosovo.

[suryanaray]

In india prompt officers and Docters are under life threat do their job FBI investigation is necessary through the UNO please protect the peoples in india

[suryanaray]

According to article 21of the constitution of India the peoples are suffering from unemployment and poverty demanding the Lock down Compensation FBI investigation is necessary through the UNO hence the peoples are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister in india

[mamanpd]

The solution is to make political party rules not based on ethnic and religious identities. And provide opportunities according to proportion.

[suryanaray]

According to article 14 and 21 of the constitution of India Gujarat communal Riots and Best Bakery and Gulbarga Society Riots FBI investigation is necessary through the UNO please to give justice to the victims Families in india

[bekim]

Eu countries has closed all his border in kosovo they agains open a brigde very

[alto]

Is EU to create barriers or bring people together!

[laloelsalamanca]

Kosovo, another EU created Frankenstein

[bulqizafotovideo]

Nothing to do with EU mind your business Albanian suffered a lot because of you the new corrupt this is an Albanian land we can do whatever we want Serbs are welcome if you don't like it didn't go back to Russia why did you join European Union to be together

[suryanaray]

In india in karnataka state all criminal activities and offences are backed by the karnataka state police FBI investigation is necessary through the UNO is necessary

[AMEurope]

It would be good to use the full Serbian name for the province - Kosovo and Metohija.

[sz]

What is the purpose of being one country if populations are indefinitely divided?
I remember the genocide committed in Kosovo until the NATO forces intervened.