TIRANA, August 19 – The European Commission expects effective coordination over the opening of the main bridge on the Ibër River. It also calls for meaningful consultations between the affected municipalities and Kosova’s central institutions. The bridge connects South Mitrovica, where Albanians form the majority, with North Mitrovica, where Serbs form the majority.
European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper said on August 18 that the European Union’s position on the bridge remains clear. She also called on the Kosova Police to ensure the safety of all communities. This should follow democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Hipper noted that the bridge currently allows pedestrians to cross. However, vehicles still cannot use it. She said the European Commission expects better coordination and meaningful consultations.
Her comments followed an announcement by KFOR, NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosova. On August 10, KFOR said it had begun a gradual transition of its permanent presence on the bridge. The mission linked the move to improved security conditions. At the same time, KFOR will maintain a visible presence in both parts of Mitrovica and across northern Kosova.
The bridge remained blocked after the 1999 war. Over the years, it has become a source of ethnic tensions. Kosova and Serbia agreed to open it through the European Union-mediated dialogue. A 2016 implementation plan set January 2017 as the deadline for opening it to traffic. However, vehicles have never been allowed to cross.
Renovation works ended in 2018 after an investment of around 1.5 million euros. Later, in 2024, Kosova’s efforts to open the bridge faced opposition from local Serbs. The international community also called for coordination before any action.
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