Donika Gërvalla meets European Commissioner Michael McGrath

During the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice, being held in Budva, Montenegro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Donika Gërvalla met Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection.

Gërvalla said on Facebook that their discussion focused on the Republic of Kosovo’s priorities for justice and the rule of law, cooperation with the European Union, and the country’s progress toward European integration.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on justice reform, especially the establishment and full operation of the State Bureau. According to Gërvalla, Kosovo’s citizens have long awaited this mechanism, which aims to prevent unjustifiable wealth from being concealed behind political power.

In her post, she said that implementing the package of laws comprising the deepest and broadest reform ever undertaken in Kosovo’s justice system is expected to fundamentally transform the judiciary. Gërvalla stressed that judicial independence is the foundation of the rule of law, but it cannot be used to shield anyone involved in crime or corruption.

According to the minister, a strong and functioning rule of law requires justice reforms. She said Kosovo is advancing those reforms with determination by strengthening justice mechanisms, effectively fighting corruption and organized crime, and making its path toward the European Union irreversible. Gërvalla linked Kosovo’s European future to strong justice, the rule of law and equality before the law.