EU office in Kosovo raises concerns over proposed changes to the Law on Specialist Chambers

The European Union Office in Kosovo has responded to an announcement that the Kosovo Assembly may vote tomorrow on a draft law amending and supplementing the Law on Specialist Chambers.

In its response, the EU Office says the proposed changes raise serious concerns about Kosovo’s fulfillment of its international obligations and respect for fundamental principles of the rule of law. It cites, in particular, judicial independence, the protection of victims and witnesses, the continuity of procedural rights, and effective accountability.

According to the EU Office, there are also questions about the constitutionality of the changes.

The office says that since the law was returned to the Kosovo Assembly for reconsideration, it has been actively communicating its concerns and expectations to the Kosovo authorities. These include a call for prior consultations, in line with Kosovo’s international obligations, before the law is adopted.