EU Slams Kosovo Over Dismissal of Serbian Prosecutors
The European Union condemns Kosovo's refusal to reinstate Serbian judicial staff, warning it undermines the rule of law and multiethnic justice.
The European Union has strongly criticized recent moves by Kosovo's authorities regarding the status of Serbian judicial personnel. The controversy centers on the rejection of requests by Serbian prosecutors to return to their posts, a decision that Brussels views as contrary to the principles of the rule of law.
Tensions escalated after the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council decided on July 20 to deny the appeals of five Serbian prosecutors and 15 administrative staff members from the Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica. These individuals had sought to withdraw the resignations they submitted during the mass walkout in November 2022. Following this rejection, Kosovo's leadership issued a formal decree dismissing seven prosecutors of Serbian descent.
In a written statement, an EU spokesperson condemned the actions, describing them as inconsistent with legal standards and proper procedures. The statement emphasized that Kosovo's justice system must reflect its multiethnic character, as mandated by its Constitution.
The European Union has reiterated its call for Kosovo institutions to facilitate, rather than hinder, the reintegration of Kosovo Serb judicial staff. Brussels insists that such reintegration is essential and must align with both domestic laws and the agreements reached during the ongoing dialogue process.
