The European Union has welcomed the decision of the new President of Kosovo, Justina Shiroka Pula, to return to the Assembly to reconsider the law amending and supplementing the Law on Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office.
In an official statement, the EU recalled that it has consistently expressed deep concern about the initiative to amend this law, both before and after its adoption by the Kosovo Assembly on October 6. Brussels stressed that it expects to be consulted if discussions on this issue resume in the Assembly, in accordance with the 2014 exchange of letters between the EU High Representative and the President of Kosovo, which set out the modalities for consulting the European Union before legal amendments.
"The rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights, including those of victims and witnesses, remain of paramount importance," the European Union statement said.
The EU also recalled that the Kosovo Specialist Chambers are an independent judicial institution, established through decisions of the Kosovo Assembly in 2014-2015, based on a special agreement with the European Union. The institution operates within the Kosovo legal system and is enshrined in the country's Constitution.
"Their current mandate and independence must be fully and unreservedly respected," the EU stressed, underlining the importance of preserving the institution's independence and respecting the legal framework that regulates its functioning.
In conclusion, the European Union expressed solidarity with all victims, survivors and their families, from all communities affected by the atrocities committed during the war.
