1. The European Union is concerned by the recent operation by Kosovo Police against Belgrade-supported offices in North Mitrovica, Zvecan/Zveqan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic/Leposaviq. The operation puts the fragile security situation on the ground at risk.
2. EULEX was immediately deployed to monitor the conduct of this operation, which was not coordinated with the EU and international partners. We are disappointed with the continued lack of coordination with Kosovo security providers and with the international partners.
3. The EU wishes to reiterate that Pristina has committed to de-escalate. We have repeatedly called on Pristina to avoid any actions that could negatively impact the security of people on the ground. Unfortunately, our calls have been disregarded.
4. The EU underlines once again that Belgrade-supported offices are foreseen to be addressed and resolved in the EU-facilitated Dialogue. We expect both sides to fully implement all obligations and past commitments from the EU-facilitated Dialogue, in particular the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation, and to address and resolve all open issues between them in the EU-facilitated Dialogue.
5. We also thank the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for contributing to ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions.

The Candidate Countries NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, and BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, and the EFTA countries ICELAND, NORWAY, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this statement.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

[1] * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.