Clashes in the north of Kosovo, the EU strongly condemns the violence and issues an urgent appeal to EULEX

The European Union has reacted to the tensions in the North of Kosovo, saying that they strongly condemn today's clashes between the Kosovo Police and the protesters, the local Serbs.

The EU indicates that the newly elected mayors of the northern municipalities had attempts to enter the facilities of the municipalities.

"We strongly condemn the attacks on the patrols of the EU civilian mission in Kosovo, EULEX. EULEX should be allowed to implement its mandate in a peaceful manner", says the reaction.

"Everyone must take action to de-escalate the tense situation and restore calm immediately. The EU will not accept any further unilateral or provocative actions and maintaining peace and security on the ground must be a priority," the reaction continues.

"As the EU has repeatedly stated, the recent partial elections in the north of Kosovo do not offer a long-term political solution for the municipalities involved. Such a solution can only be found through a real dialogue between all key stakeholders, which include Kosovo, Serbia and the Kosovo Serb community - under the facilitation of the EU", concludes the EU communiqué.