Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has declared Serbian citizen and Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lučić a persona non grata and permanently banned him from entering, transiting through or staying in Kosovo.
According to the ministry’s decision, Lučić is permanently prohibited from entering, transiting through or residing anywhere in the territory of Kosovo. The decision cites his public statements, which Kosovo authorities say constitute a threat to the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Lučić of publicly promoting and supporting activities and policies that challenge the authority of Kosovo’s institutions in strategically important sectors, including electronic communications and telecommunications infrastructure.
“Vladimir Lučić, a citizen of the Republic of Serbia, through his public statements expressed positions that sought to directly undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of the Republic of Kosovo,” the ministry said in its decision.
The ministry further alleged that Lučić had openly advocated against Kosovo’s sovereignty and constitutional order and that his statements posed a security threat by contributing to hate speech and destabilization.
The decision comes days after Lučić announced plans for further expansion of Telekom Srbija’s operations in areas of Kosovo where members of the Serb community live.
Lučić recently said the company planned to open six new facilities in Kosovo, including in Parteš, Pasjane, Zubin Potok, Ranilug and Štrpce. He also announced investments aimed at improving fixed-line telecommunications services in Serb-majority areas.
On August 6, Lučić visited an MTS office in northern Mitrovica and said Telekom Srbija planned to construct two new facilities in the municipality of Parteš by the end of the year.
The Kosovo government has increasingly scrutinized the activities of Serbian state-linked institutions and companies operating in the country, particularly in areas such as telecommunications, energy and financial services, as Prishtina seeks to consolidate the authority of Kosovo’s institutions throughout its territory.
Telekom Srbija has expanded its presence in Kosovo through its MTS subsidiary, which primarily serves the Serb community.
N1 reported that it contacted Lučić regarding the decision and was awaiting his response.
