Musliu Criticizes EU Stance Toward Belgrade, From the Case of Seven Serbian Prosecutors to the Mass Grave in Zubin Potok

Justice and security issues, as well as relations between Kosovo and Serbia, have returned to the spotlight following a series of developments in the north of the country. These include discussions about the dismissal of seven Serbian prosecutors, the European Union’s reactions, the demolition of unauthorized structures near Lake Ujman, and the discovery of a mass grave in Kalludër, Zubin Potok.

In a statement to “Bota sot,” Belgium-based legal expert Skënder Musliu said Kosovo continues to face political pressure, while Serbia, in his assessment, has not abandoned actions aimed at destabilizing the country.

Musliu criticized the European Union, arguing that Brussels pays greater attention to decisions made by Kosovo’s institutions but does not take the same approach to statements and actions coming from Belgrade.

He recalled that, under the agreements reached in 2013 during the EU-mediated Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Kosovo had undertaken to integrate the Serb community into state institutions. As part of this process, he said, several hundred police officers and local government employees were hired, along with around 130 judges, prosecutors and administrative justice staff in the four northern municipalities.

According to Musliu, the departure of Serbian officials from Kosovo’s institutions was not an isolated action but a coordinated one. He said the issue of vehicle license plates served only as a pretext and was not the sole reason for the decision.

He said the resignations of the mayors of the four Serb-majority municipalities in the north, together with the departure of Serbian police officers, judges and prosecutors, resulted from pressure, blackmail and intimidation by Radoiçiq and the Belgrade regime. According to him, the aim was to destabilize Kosovo, undermine its security and damage its sovereignty.

The legal expert said subsequent requests by some judges and prosecutors to withdraw their resignations could not be handled by bypassing legal procedures. He stressed that judicial bodies must carry out their work independently and without political influence.

Referring to international reactions, Musliu singled out the position of the United States Embassy in Pristina as the most measured. According to him, the US mission was more cautious and constructive, recalling that Kosovo’s Constitution guarantees the representation of the Serb community in institutions and that the Kosovo government will ensure those rights.

By contrast, he described the European Union’s criticism of decisions by Kosovo’s institutions as direct interference in the justice system. Musliu said that through its statements and actions, the EU was interfering in a brutal and irresponsible manner in a system that is independent and separate from the government.

According to him, the European Union has yet to understand the reality in Kosovo and continues to behave as though the country were still under international supervision.

Musliu also criticized Brussels’ policy toward Serbia, saying the EU had not been sufficiently resolute in confronting Belgrade’s actions. He stressed that Serbia has pursued destructive policies against Kosovo for decades and has also displayed hegemonic ambitions toward other countries in the region, while Vuçiq’s regime continues to be praised by the EU as a participant in constructive dialogue.

He also referred to Serbian officials’ positions on Kosovo and Belgrade’s territorial claims. According to Musliu, statements that Kosovo is an inseparable part of Serbia, along with those justifying policies from previous years, demonstrate that Belgrade has still not moved away from destabilizing narratives.

Regarding the demolition of illegal structures in Zubin Potok, near Lake Ujman, Musliu said Kosovo’s institutions acted in accordance with the law. He explained that the buildings had been erected without permits on land belonging to the “Ibër-Lepenc” company, unlawfully occupying property within a protected area, and that the demolition was carried out only after legal procedures had been completed.

In this case as well, according to him, the European Union criticized the Kosovo government and gave credence to Serbia’s arguments.

Musliu’s response also addressed the discovery of a mass grave in Kalludër, Zubin Potok, where the bodies of 23 Albanians who disappeared during the war are suspected to be buried.

He said Serbia continues to deny war crimes to this day, while the European Union has never had the courage to punish Belgrade or impose serious sanctions over its destructive policies. On the contrary, he said, the EU continues to claim that Serbia is committed to constructive dialogue.

Musliu also criticized some media outlets, nongovernmental organizations and political parties in Kosovo, which he said produce narratives that undermine the country’s interests.

He said that, unfortunately, some media outlets and NGOs have aligned themselves with Belgrade’s destructive policies. According to him, such messages create a false image of Kosovo and serve only its opponents.

The legal expert said part of Kosovo’s opposition is also pursuing an approach that weakens the country’s institutions. He said the irresponsible actions and statements of some opposition politicians, media outlets and NGOs create false narratives against Kosovo and influence how the country is perceived internationally, leading international actors to criticize Kosovo’s institutions.

In conclusion, Musliu positively assessed the Kurti government’s policies aimed at extending sovereignty in the north. According to him, the decisions and actions of Kosovo’s institutions have always sought to strengthen sovereignty, establish the rule of law and protect the constitutional order.

Skënder Musliu concluded his statement to “Bota sot” by calling for unwavering support for the institutions that uphold these principles.