The European Union has expressed deep concern over the amendments and additions to the Law on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers adopted by the Kosovo Assembly.
In an official statement, the EU said the adopted amendments contravene Kosovo’s international obligations towards the European Union and stressed the importance of preserving the independence of the Specialist Chambers.
“The law adopted by the Kosovo Assembly amending and supplementing the Law on the Specialist Chambers contravenes Kosovo’s international obligations towards the EU,” the statement said.
Brussels recalled that it has consistently supported the work of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, describing them as an independent judicial institution established through decisions taken by the Kosovo Assembly in 2014 and 2015.
According to the EU, the Specialist Chambers operate within Kosovo’s legal system and are enshrined in the country’s Constitution. For this reason, Brussels stressed that their mandate and independence must be fully respected.
The EU also underlined that the Specialist Chambers are delivering justice based on the principle of individual criminal responsibility.
In its statement, the European Union called on Kosovo to respect its international obligations and ensure the judicial independence of the Specialist Chambers, as well as uphold its commitment to accountability and justice for victims and their families from all communities in Kosovo.
“The protection and safety of witnesses must be ensured,” the EU emphasised at the conclusion of its statement.
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