Serbian opposition media have criticized President Aleksandar Vučić over the ongoing demolition of Serbian-owned properties around Lake Gazivode (Ujman), contrasting the developments with his widely quoted pledge a decade ago that he would “never give up Gazivode.”
The criticism comes as Kosovo authorities continue operations around the Gazivode reservoir in northern Kosovo, where the public company Ibar-Lepenac has been removing structures it says were illegally built on land under its ownership.
According to reports, the latest demolition campaign began after property owners were given notices to vacate their buildings. Several holiday homes in the village of Čečevo were demolished in late June, followed by additional structures near the Gazivode dam earlier this week. Authorities have also issued notices to other property owners in the area.
Owners of the affected properties dispute the legality of the demolitions, arguing that they possess ownership documentation which, they say, is not recognized by Kosovo institutions. Several have initiated legal proceedings against Ibar-Lepenac, although the demolitions have continued.
Among those facing possible demolition is the Jakšić family, owners of the “Jezero” motel and beach bar, who have reportedly been ordered to vacate the property after Ibar-Lepenac claimed ownership of the land.
Residents have also alleged that some homeowners received verbal warnings that their houses could be demolished despite holding ownership documents. Slavo Milojević from the village of Čečevo told local media he reported alleged threats to the Kosovo Police after being warned that his home could be targeted.
Another resident, Vukola Tomović, said he received an earlier demolition notice despite claiming ownership documentation dating back to Srbijašume. He said he had appealed the decision and was later verbally assured by police that his home would not be demolished.
The developments are part of broader efforts by Kosovo authorities in recent years to consolidate control over the Gazivode area, including the takeover of Camp Rezala, the former Red Cross facility, and a villa previously linked to Milan Radoičić, who has acknowledged organizing the 2023 armed attack in Banjska.
The European Union this week called on Kosovo authorities to immediately suspend further demolitions, forced removals of structures, and property takeovers in the Gazivode area until outstanding legal questions regarding due process, proportionality, property rights, human rights, and effective legal remedies are fully addressed.
The renewed focus on Gazivode has also revived scrutiny of President Aleksandar Vučić’s 2016 statement in Zubin Potok, when he declared that he would not allow Gazivode to be handed over, saying: “I will not give up Gazivode. Remove me from office tomorrow if you want, but I will not give you Gazivode.”
Opposition commentators argue that the current situation stands in sharp contrast to those earlier promises, noting that Kosovo authorities now maintain a regular police presence around the lake and exercise administrative control over key facilities in the area.
Gazivode has become an increasingly important strategic and political site in northern Kosovo, with Kosovo institutions expanding their presence while disputes over ownership, jurisdiction, and property rights continue to generate tensions.
