Former Dutch Ambassador to Kosovo, Robert Bosch, has sharply criticized the European Union’s recent approach and statements concerning Kosovo’s security operations in the north.
Yesterday, the European Union issued an official statement expressing concern over Kosovo police actions in northern municipalities, urging Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Kosovo institutions to refrain from destabilizing activities.
The EU warned that recent operations, inspections, and closures of public services risk escalating tensions and negatively impacting the daily lives of local communities, especially highlighting the crackdown on Vodovod Ibar in North Mitrovica and the water supply plant in Zubin Potok, which provide essential public services to northern Kosovo’s Serb population.
In response, Robert Bosch described the EU’s criticisms as “inappropriate” and “illogical”, emphasizing that efforts to close illegal parallel structures run by ethnic Serbs are necessary for their full integration into Kosovo’s institutions.
Bosch said:
“Surprisingly, so many internationals oppose logical measures to finally shut down illegal parallel structures. If ethnic Serbs are to integrate, these must be closed. Therefore, the criticisms are inappropriate.”
International reactions have continued on social media and media outlets. The Italian Embassy in Pristina expressed concern about recent Kosovo police actions, warning that such operations risk escalating tensions and negatively affecting non-majority communities.
The Italian Embassy stressed that a constructive, inclusive approach based on dialogue remains essential, noting that progress in normalizing relations with Belgrade is critical for Kosovo’s path toward EU integration.
Similarly, French Ambassador Olivier Guerot voiced concern over repeated Kosovo authority actions against Serbian-led institutions, stating these actions send a negative signal to Kosovo’s partners. He urged that such issues be addressed within the EU-facilitated dialogue framework.
The British Embassy in Pristina also cautioned that sudden, uncoordinated police actions in North Mitrovica and Zubin Potok could worsen tensions and erode trust in Kosovo’s ability to ensure quality of life for all residents.
The UK Embassy called on Kosovo institutions to resolve contested institutions through proactive, constructive proposals within the EU-mediated dialogue.
