Albert Zogaj, the Chair of the Kosovo Judicial Council, met with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. He told RTK that he made it clear to the EU official that the judiciary has remained consistent in implementing the Brussels Agreement and does not support a second agreement for integrating Serbian staff in the north, as such a process would politicize the justice system.
It has been nearly three years since judges, prosecutors, and administrative staff from the Serbian community in the north resigned. This issue was recently discussed during a meeting between Zogaj and Kallas during her visit to Kosovo.
Zogaj emphasized that the judiciary has faithfully implemented the Brussels Agreement and does not welcome a second agreement for Serbian staff integration, as this could politicize the justice system.
“Whether this becomes a topic for discussion in Brussels is not up to us, but we do not prefer it to be discussed. We believe Kosovo does not need a second integration agreement — the first one was the biggest compromise. Within that framework, we can look at possibilities. Otherwise, if this becomes a political discussion, topics unacceptable to the judiciary may be raised, especially if individuals who do not pass the standard criteria — whether educational or through jurisprudence exams — are included in the judicial system,” Zogaj said.
He stressed that the possible return of Serbian judges and staff must happen through individual applications, assessed within the system based on professional criteria, and that political discussions on this matter should be avoided.
On the other hand, in the past year, court branches in the north have achieved more than 120% performance, according to available statistics.
Lawyer Mahmut Halimi noted that even old cases, some nearly 20 years old, have been handled.
“Until a year or so ago, the situation was overloaded, as the withdrawal of Serbian judges and prosecutors had worsened the situation. But with the appointment of new judges in departments, including those dealing with serious crimes, a remarkable consolidation has been achieved, especially during this past year. Even cases at risk of expiration have been retained, and many judges are actively working on cases dating back over 20 years,” said lawyer Halimi.
Judges, prosecutors, and administrative staff from the Serbian community in the Basic Court and Prosecutor’s Office in Mitrovica resigned in November 2022, following the Kosovo Government’s decision to re-register vehicles with illegal license plates issued by Serbia.
