The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has held a debate regarding the recent terrorist attack on the Ibër-Lepenc Canal in Zubin Potok, Kosovo. The committee’s chairman, David McAllister, expressed the Parliament’s concerns over the latest attacks in northern Kosovo, reiterating the European Parliament’s strong condemnation of such acts, which he stated destabilize the region.
While several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have expressed solidarity with Kosovo, some called for further evidence regarding the involvement of Serbian authorities in the attacks. These MEPs have requested an international investigation into the incident.
Serious Claims, Demanding Evidence
German MEP Michael Gahler responded after Donika Gërvalla’s address, emphasizing the need for clear evidence to support the serious claims of Serbian involvement. “We must first ask what evidence has been provided to support these claims. I believe the European Commission should take this matter seriously if these accusations prove true,” said Gahler.
Spanish MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor expressed understanding for Kosovo’s difficult situation but pointed out that the evidence presented so far regarding Serbia’s role in orchestrating the attacks is insufficient. “It is difficult to take action without more convincing proof,” he stated, reflecting the need for clearer evidence before assigning blame.
Calls for International Inquiry
Austrian MEP Thomas Waitz stressed the need for an international investigation into the attack in Varage, Zubin Potok. “It is good that Serbia has expressed willingness to be part of the investigation, but after previous incidents, no progress was made. We need to see who is truly responsible,” Waitz noted, adding that the Serbian government should take responsibility for extremist actions within its borders.
Waitz also emphasized the importance of recognizing Kosovo as an independent state, a key signal to counter Russia’s efforts to destabilize the region. “It’s time for the five remaining EU countries to recognize Kosovo as an independent state,” he urged.
Kosovo’s Response and Evidence
Following the MEPs’ speeches, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Donika Gërvalla, provided an update on the ongoing investigation. She highlighted that after the attack in Varage, the Kosovo Police seized a large arsenal of weapons, arrested several suspects, and found numerous uniforms and military equipment directly linked to Serbia. She explained that while the investigation is still in its early stages, the evidence thus far points to a well-coordinated effort to destabilize Kosovo’s infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, and telecommunications.
Gërvalla emphasized the importance of understanding the scale of the preparation, noting that the materials used in the attack are not easily accessible on the black market, pointing to a high level of expertise in the planning. “The location of the explosion shows it was carried out by someone with precise knowledge of what they were doing,” she added.
Pressure on Serbia to End Destabilizing Activities
Minister Gërvalla also called for international support to exert pressure on Serbia. “If we continue to support Serbia’s path towards the EU without addressing these destabilizing activities, it will only escalate, potentially spreading to Bosnia and Herzegovina and other neighboring countries,” she warned.
