Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called a meeting of the National Security Council after Kosovo’s decision to reciprocate Serbian policy regarding cars travelling between the two countries, requiring Serbian cars to use temporary plates upon entering Kosovo.
A 2016 agreement between the two countries, signed under the ongoing Brussels dialogue, and allowing the free passage of cars, expired on September 15.
Immediately after, Serbia required Kosovo cars to purchase temporary plates when entering Serbia. Six days later, the Kosovo government responded by implementing the same requirement.
Temporary plates can be easily purchased at the border at the cost of five euros and are valid for 60 days.
In addition to Vucic’s alarmed decision to call a meeting of the highest body dealing with security and military issues, a number of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo protested the decision by blocking the roads. Protesters were visited by Serbian members of the Kosovo parliament, who called on Vucic for help.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in Parliament on Monday that while he doesn’t want temporary plates in either country, he will continue to stand by his decision as long as Serbia requires the same.
He assured all Kosovo Serbs that their free movement in the country is guaranteed. The same applies to Serbs from Serbia once they get a temporary plate to visit Kosovo.
