TIRANA, August 10 – Albania opposes any unilateral change to the course of the Ibër River, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said today. He was responding to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s remarks about a possible change to the river’s course and the involvement of Serbian experts and institutions.
Hoxha expressed deep concern in a post on X. He said international water law does not allow unilateral decisions on a river that forms part of a transboundary water system. Such decisions could affect another country’s territory, environment, water security, water supply and citizens.
The minister cited principles of equitable and reasonable use of transboundary waters. He also referred to the duty to prevent, control and reduce cross-border harm. International standards also require cooperation, information exchange and consultation on measures with potential cross-border effects.
Hoxha noted that Serbia has been a party to the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes since 2010. He said Serbia has also accepted its dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Albania expects Serbia to respect its international obligations and the principles of good neighbourly relations, Hoxha said. Any project affecting waters that reach Kosova should involve transparency, scientific data, a full assessment of cross-border impacts and consultation with the affected side.
He stressed that water should not serve as political pressure or as a means to punish another country or population. Albania strongly supports Kosova’s right to water security, sustainable development and protection of its water resources. Hoxha called for dialogue, cooperation and European standards instead of threats or unilateral action.
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