Musliu criticizes the EU over its approach to Kosovo and Serbia: It remains silent on Belgrade and war crimes

The situation in northern Kosovo has once again come under the spotlight following a series of developments involving Serbian prosecutors, reactions from the European Union, the demolition of unauthorized structures in the Ujman area, and the discovery of a mass grave in Kalludër, Zubin Potok. These issues have sparked discussions about security, justice and relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

Speaking to “Bota sot” about these topics, Belgian-based jurist Skënder Musliu said that Kosovo continues to face political pressure, while Serbia has not abandoned policies that, in his assessment, are aimed at destabilizing the country.

Musliu accused the European Union of applying double standards, saying that Brussels pays more attention to the actions of Kosovo’s institutions than to Belgrade’s statements and policies.

He recalled that the 2013 agreements, reached as part of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue mediated by the European Union, obliged Kosovo to include the Serbian community in state institutions.

“Under these agreements, several hundred police officers and local government employees were hired, along with around 130 judges, prosecutors and administrative employees of the justice system in the four municipalities in northern Kosovo,” Musliu declared.

According to him, the departure of Serbian officials from the institutions was not caused solely by disagreements over vehicle license plates. He considers it an organized action in which the license-plate issue served only as the apparent reason.

“The resignation of the mayors of the four Serbian-majority municipalities in the north, as well as of Serbian police officials, judges and prosecutors, did not come solely because of the license plates. The main cause was the pressure, blackmail and intimidation exerted by Radoičić and the Belgrade regime, with the aim of destabilizing Kosovo, undermining its security and damaging its sovereignty,” he said.

Musliu said that requests by some judges and prosecutors to withdraw their resignations cannot be handled outside the legal framework. He stressed that the justice system must operate independently and must not be influenced by political pressure.

In this context, he described some international reactions as one-sided, while singling out the United States Embassy in Pristina for taking a more measured stance.

“Unlike other international reactions, the US Embassy in Pristina acted more cautiously and constructively. It recalled that Kosovo’s Constitution guarantees representation of the Serbian community in institutions and that the Government of Kosovo will ensure these rights,” Musliu said.

The Belgian-based jurist described the EU’s criticism of decisions by Kosovo’s institutions as interference in the justice system.

“Through its statements and actions, the EU is interfering brutally and irresponsibly in an independent system that is separate from the executive branch. Unfortunately, it still has not understood the reality of Kosovo and continues to act as if the country were under the supervision of the international community,” he declared.

Musliu was also critical of Brussels’ relationship with Serbia. He said that, despite policies he described as destructive and Belgrade’s hegemonic claims toward Kosovo and other countries in the region, the EU continues to portray Vučić’s regime as a constructive party to the dialogue.

“For decades, Serbia has pursued destructive policies toward Kosovo, while also displaying hegemonic claims toward other states in the region. Nevertheless, the EU continues to praise Vučić’s regime as a factor in constructive dialogue,” he emphasized.

According to Musliu, statements by Serbian officials demonstrate that Belgrade has not broken with its old narratives. He cited claims that Kosovo is an inseparable part of Serbia, as well as statements that, in his view, justify the policies of previous years.

“These statements show that Belgrade continues to rely on destabilizing narratives,” Musliu said.

Speaking about the demolition of unauthorized structures in Zubin Potok, near Lake Ujman, he said that Kosovo’s institutions had acted within the law.

“The structures had been erected without construction permits on the property of the ‘Ibër-Lepenc’ enterprise and constituted an unlawful occupation of property in a protected area. The demolition took place only after the legal procedures had been completed. In this case as well, the EU criticized the Government of Kosovo and gave space to Serbia’s arguments,” he declared.

Musliu also commented on the discovery of the mass grave in Kalludër, Zubin Potok, where the bodies of 23 Albanians who disappeared during the war are suspected to be located.

“Serbia continues to deny war crimes. The EU has never had the courage to punish Belgrade and impose serious sanctions on it for its destructive policies. On the contrary, it repeatedly says that Serbia is committed to constructive dialogue,” he said.

He also criticized some media outlets and political entities in Kosovo which, according to him, are creating narratives that harm the country’s interests.

“Unfortunately, some media outlets and NGOs have aligned themselves with the same line as Belgrade’s destructive policies. These narratives create a false image of Kosovo and serve only its opponents,” Musliu declared.

He also accused Kosovo’s opposition of pursuing an approach that weakens the country’s institutions.

“The irresponsible actions and statements of some opposition politicians, media outlets and NGOs create false narratives against Kosovo. They also influence the perception of international actors, who then direct their criticism at Kosovo’s institutions,” he said.

In conclusion, Musliu said that the Kurti government’s policies aimed at extending sovereignty in the north had been justified. He called for support for Kosovo’s institutions in their efforts to build the rule of law.

“The policies and actions of Kosovo’s institutions have aimed to strengthen sovereignty, build the rule of law and protect the constitutional order. For this reason, the institutions that defend these principles must receive unequivocal support,” Skënder Musliu told “Bota sot” in conclusion.