EU: Clarifying the Fate of Missing Persons Is an Essential Part of the Dialogue

The European Union has stressed that support for clarifying the fate of missing persons remains a particularly important part of the dialogue conducted under its mediation.

On July 28, forensic specialists from EULEX’s Forensic Medicine Team assisted their counterparts from the Kosovo Institute of Forensic Medicine in assessing a site in Zubin Potok. The aim was to determine whether an unmarked grave containing missing persons might be located there, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed.

The European Commission spokesperson clarified that EULEX does not conduct criminal investigations of any kind, as responsibility for them lies with the Kosovo authorities.

According to him, the Joint Commission on Missing Persons was established within the framework of the dialogue, based on the 2023 Declaration on Missing Persons. The commission is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the declaration, contributing to clarifying the fate of those who remain missing, and providing families and relatives with answers about their loved ones.

He reiterated that support for shedding light on the fate of those still considered missing from the conflict remains one of the most important elements of the European Union-facilitated dialogue.

The EU also announced that, in support of these efforts, it has provided funding to the Kosovo Institute of Forensic Medicine.