EU criticizes Vučić for statements on the Ibar: They hinder Kosovo-Serbia normalization

Statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić about a possible diversion of the Ibar River have prompted a reaction from the European Union. According to the EU, such rhetoric does not serve the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

During a press conference, EU spokesperson for foreign affairs, Annita Hipper, was asked whether the Serbian president’s statements and any eventual action to divert the river’s course could also affect Serbia’s EU membership process.

“First, I want to focus on the main issue at hand, namely the statements made. Claims about a possible diversion of the river’s course, as well as any eventual actions in this direction, do not help achieve the goal of normal relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Such a thing can only be achieved through dialogue,” Hipper said.

The spokesperson stressed that progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is one of the conditions for both sides to advance toward the European Union.

“We also recall that progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is a prerequisite for each party to move forward on its European path,” Hipper added.

Her reaction followed a statement made on Sunday by Vučić, who said that Serbia is considering the possibility of diverting the Ibar River. He linked this idea to what, according to his claim, is the approach of Kosovo authorities toward the Serb community.

Vučić announced that he had called “experts” on this issue, among them “engineers and others.” He also asserted that Serbia has “various reasons for diverting the course of the Ibar’s water.”

“So we will see what the Albanians will do and how they will act,” Vučić told journalists while visiting bridge construction works in Belgrade.

The European Union has repeatedly reiterated that dialogue, together with the implementation of agreements reached within this process, remains crucial for Kosovo and Serbia’s progress on their European path.