Although the transfer of local government to the four municipalities in the north has occurred – a development that was welcomed by relevant international factors and was among the main conditions for lifting the measures – it seems that the European Union is not yet ready to take this step, at least not before the elections.
In the context of the adoption of conclusions for the December ministerial meeting, discussions are underway among member states on the formulation of the message referring to the lifting of the measures. According to diplomatic sources, there are divisions regarding the approach to this issue. States are divided between those who want immediate lifting and those who prefer a gradual approach.
Divisions are also present among European institutions. While the External Action Service, under the leadership of Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas, supports the complete lifting of the measures, the European Commission, according to sources, maintains the position of member states that are hesitant to completely remove the measures.
Meetings at the ambassadorial level will continue next week, as a compromise must be found on the wording that will be used in the December 16 conclusions regarding the measures.
What is clear at this moment is that, despite earlier promises that the lifting of the measures would occur after the smooth transfer of local government, a reformulation is now being sought that maintains the promise of lifting the measures in the future, but not immediately./RTK