EU condemns demolition of constructions in Ujman and demands immediate halt

The European Union Mission in Kosovo has expressed regret over the demolition of houses carried out the previous day on the shores of Lake Ujman, also known as Gazivoda. This action, according to the European office, occurred while the affected persons had already initiated legal steps within the 15-day period mentioned in the notices of the public enterprise Ibër-Lepenc for the liberation and clearing of plots.

In a Facebook post, the EU highlights concern over the lack of respect for proper legal procedure in this situation, as well as in other episodes that have occurred in northern Kosovo since February of this year. The Union demands an immediate halt to any demolition, forced displacement, or property usurpation, until outstanding questions regarding law enforcement, proportionality, property rights and human rights, as well as access to effective remedies, are properly resolved.

Brussels calls on the authorities to cooperate without delay with the affected communities and municipalities, seeking solutions within the legal framework. It is also underlined that the participation of Kosovo Police in such operations must remain strictly within the limits of its legal mandate, be based on concrete requests or authorizations from responsible instances, and be documented as required.

According to the statement, irreversible enforcement measures, in the context of still-open judicial proceedings and contradictory ownership claims, raise deep concerns for the rule of law. In line with Kosovo’s European aspiration, the EU expects the authorities to address this matter with urgency and transparency and to ensure that similar actions will not be repeated.