The European Union has voiced sharp disappointment over Serbia’s continued failure to prosecute those responsible for the September 2023 Banjska attack, following a landmark ruling by a Kosovo court.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Basic Court in Prishtina delivered a significant verdict, sentencing three individuals for their roles in the terrorist ambush that left a Kosovo police officer dead. Despite this judicial progress in Prishtina, Brussels remains critical of the lack of reciprocal action in Belgrade.
The Verdict in Prishtina
The court handed down severe penalties for the three defendants currently in custody:
- Life Imprisonment: Vladimir Tolić and Blagoje Spasojević.
- 30 Years Imprisonment: Dušan Maksimović.
The prosecution successfully argued their involvement in the armed group that blocked the village of Banjska and engaged in a prolonged shootout with Kosovo security forces.
The EU’s Position: “No More Excuses”
A spokesperson for the European Commission noted that while the EU takes note of the Prishtina verdict, it deeply regrets that Serbia has not mirrored these steps.
“We have repeatedly called on Serbia to take immediate and concrete steps to bring to justice those suspected of organizing and executing the deadly attack in Banjska. The lack of an indictment in Belgrade—particularly against Milan Radoičić—remains a major concern for the EU.”
The EU reiterated that Serbia’s progress in its membership negotiations is directly tied to its cooperation in this case. Several member states have already signaled their opposition to opening new chapters in Serbia’s accession path until clear results in the Banjska investigation are shown.
The “Radoičić Problem”
While the three men in Prishtina have been sentenced, the primary organizer, Milan Radoičić, continues to reside openly in Serbia. Despite his public admission of responsibility shortly after the attack:
- He has not been formally indicted for terrorism in Serbia.
- He remains under investigation for lesser charges related to weapons possession and public safety.
- Belgrade continues to refuse extradition to Kosovo, citing a lack of recognition of Kosovo’s statehood.
Escalating Pressures
Earlier this year, in March 2026, the European Parliament issued a report urging Serbia to move forward with the prosecution of Radoičić, warning that a “culture of impunity” would threaten regional stability. Brussels also expressed concern over reports that individuals suspected of involvement in Banjska have been seen participating in public protests and political events within Serbia.
