Kosovo: The European Union (EU) has called for emergency talks between Serbia and Kosovo in an effort to quell escalating violence near their shared border. Concerned about the potential for renewed conflict, EU foreign policy chief Mr. Josep Borrell summoned Kosovo Prime Minister Mr. Albin Kurti and Serbian President Mr. Aleksandar Vucic to urgent meetings in Brussels.

“We need immediate de-escalation and new elections in the north with the participation of Kosovo Serbs. This is paramount for the region and [the] EU,” Mr. Borrell posted on Twitter before the talks.

Despite years of EU-led negotiations, Serbia and Kosovo have been locked in a long-standing dispute. The conflict between the two sides in 1998–99 resulted in over 10,000 deaths, predominantly among Kosovo Albanians. Since then, Belgrade has refused to recognise Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, considering Kosovo its historical and spiritual homeland due to significant historical battles fought in the region.

Tensions began last month when Kosovo police seized local municipality buildings in northern Kosovo, where Serbs make up the majority. This action was taken to install ethnic Albanian mayors following a local election that the Serb community overwhelmingly boycotted. In response, Serbia deployed troops to the border on high alert, while clashes ensued between Kosovo Serbs, Kosovo police, and NATO-led peacekeepers.

NATO has recently sent reinforcements to the area as tensions persist. Incidents such as shock grenades exploding near Kosovo police stations and protests by Kosovo Serbs in front of municipality buildings have further fueled the volatile situation. The EU hopes that the emergency talks will help de-escalate the situation and pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Serbia and Kosovo.

CURIOUS: Summer Arctic sea ice declining faster than expected; Study