European Nations and US Urge Kosovo to Reverse Ban on Serbian Dinar Use

Four European nations and the United States are urging Kosovo to reverse its decision banning the Serbian dinar, which is used by 5% of Kosovo's Serb community, as the decision could fuel ethnic tensions in the country. The Quint group of countries, which includes the US, Italy, France, Germany, and Britain, expressed concern over the impact of the new regulation, particularly in schools and hospitals, and called for a delay in its implementation. Furthermore, Germany called on Kosovo to postpone the implementation of the decision, citing concerns that it could exacerbate ethnic tensions in the country. In addition, Ukraine uncovered a scheme to embezzle approximately $40 million earmarked for the purchase of mortar shells for the country's military, with five people charged and one detained. The investigation comes as Kyiv attempts to clamp down on corruption in order to expedite its accession to the European Union and NATO.