The European Union has declined to comment directly on the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK)’s initiative to amend the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, while reiterating its continued support for the court and its institutions.
EU spokesperson Christian Wigand said during a press briefing that the European Union supports the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, emphasizing that both are independent justice institutions established by the Kosovo Assembly in 2015.
“Their work is important to ensure accountability and to provide justice for victims and their families from all communities in Kosovo,” Wigand said.
He also stressed that individuals convicted at first instance have the right to appeal, noting that the recent judgments will now be reviewed through the established appeals process.
“The judgment will be reviewed by independent judges of the Appeals Chamber, in a separate panel of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. But our support for the Chambers is steadfast and will continue,” Wigand said.
The EU spokesperson’s comments came after PDK submitted a draft law to the Kosovo Assembly on Tuesday seeking amendments to the legislation governing the Specialist Chambers.
The proposed changes come amid political debate in Kosovo following the first-instance convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. The defendants have the right to appeal the judgments.
The EU has repeatedly emphasized that the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office operate independently and that their proceedings are intended to address accountability for alleged crimes arising from the 1998–1999 Kosovo war.
