EU Calls for Avoiding Statements on Diverting the Ibar River

The European Union has called for statements about the possibility of changing the course of the Ibar River to be avoided, along with any actions that do not contribute to the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

In a response to Radio Free Europe, a European Commission spokesperson said on August 11 that progress toward normalizing relations between the two countries can be achieved only through dialogue.

According to the European Commission, the parties should refrain from statements, including those related to possible changes to the river’s course, and from actions that do not support this objective.

The EU’s response came after Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on August 9 that Serbian authorities were consulting experts to examine the possibility of diverting the Ibar River. He linked the issue to the demolition of Serb-owned houses and villas near Ujman Lake in northern Kosovo.

Vučić’s statement prompted strong reactions from Kosovo officials and subsequently led to a public clash between official representatives of Albania and Serbia.

The European Commission also emphasized that progress in the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is a prerequisite for both parties to move forward in the European integration process.

The EU also addressed the recent demolitions in the Ujman Lake area, which Vučić mentioned when speaking about the possibility of changing the course of the Ibar River.

The European Commission’s response said that concerns regarding the recent demolitions at Gazivoda/Ujman Lake had already been raised.

According to the European institution, any measure that could have irreversible consequences must be implemented in accordance with due legal procedures.

The Commission added that those affected must be provided with an effective opportunity to seek legal protection and, where applicable, interim judicial protection before the measure is carried out.

The Ibar River is approximately 270 kilometers long. It originates in Montenegro, flows through Serbia and then continues into Kosovo, where it feeds the artificial Ujman Lake.

Approximately two-thirds of the lake’s surface area lies within Kosovo’s territory.

The Ujman and Ibër-Lepenc systems supply water to seven municipalities. The water is also used for irrigation and to cool the power plants in Obiliq, which generate most of Kosovo’s electricity.

Experts previously interviewed by Radio Free Europe have assessed that diverting the Ibar River is technically feasible but would require extraordinarily high expenditure. According to them, if such an intervention caused damage to Kosovo, it would violate the principles of international law governing transboundary waters.

Serbia is a signatory to the 1997 United Nations Convention, which addresses the use of international watercourses for purposes other than navigation.