The European Union has expressed regret over the demolition of several villas near Lake Ujman, in northern Kosovo, on Tuesday. In a response published by the EU office in Kosovo, it was said that the legal procedure was not respected. It was even said that this did not happen only in this case, but also in several others. The EU has called for the demolition to stop.
A day earlier, authorities launched an action to demolish 11 illegally constructed villas in the Ujman area. The action was taken at the request of the public hydro-economic enterprise "Ibër-Lepenci", on whose property the buildings were built.
And according to the EU, the affected residents had already initiated legal proceedings within the deadline set by the company for the release and cleaning of the land.
“The EU in Kosovo regrets yesterday’s demolition of houses near Lake Gazivoda/Ujman, which occurred while the affected residents had initiated legal proceedings within the 15-day deadline set in the notices of the Ibër-Lepenc/Ibar-Lepenac public enterprise for the release and clearance of the land. The EU is concerned about the lack of respect for due process in this and several other recent cases in northern Kosovo since February this year. It calls for an immediate halt to any further demolitions, forced evictions or taking of possession until concerns regarding due process, proportionality, property rights, human rights and effective remedies are adequately addressed. The authorities should cooperate without delay with the affected residents and municipalities and explore legal solutions,” the response states.
The reaction also mentioned the role of the Police, who offered support for the action.
"The role of the Kosovo Police in such operations should remain strictly within its legal mandate, be based on clear requests or decisions of the competent authorities and be properly documented. Irreversible enforcement measures in the context of ongoing proceedings and contested property claims raise serious concerns for the rule of law. In line with Kosovo's European path, the EU expects the authorities to address these concerns with urgency and transparency and to ensure that similar actions are not repeated," the response further states.
In the north, where the action took place, illegal Serbian structures operate. Some villa owners said that they had taken the plots for use from the Serbian public enterprise "Serbija Shume" and that they had paid rent for them. However, in "Ibër-Lepenc" they said that the land is public property of Kosovo, under its administration and that no Serbian enterprise can decide on it.
Britain concerned about demolition of villas near Ujman
The British Embassy in Kosovo has reacted after the demolition of 11 illegally built villas near Lake Ujman began.
The British Embassy has said it is closely monitoring developments.
"Respect for the rule of law requires fair and transparent processes, where those affected can exercise their rights. We are particularly concerned by reports that enforcement actions have continued while legal proceedings are still ongoing. We call on the Kosovo authorities to engage with affected communities, address concerns in a transparent manner, and avoid further actions that could undermine public trust or inter-community trust," the Embassy said in a statement.
A day earlier, authorities launched an action to demolish 11 illegally constructed villas in the Ujman area. The action was taken at the request of the public hydro-economic enterprise "Ibër-Lepenci", on whose property the buildings were built.
The European Union has also reacted, expressing regret over the demolition of villas near Lake Ujman, in northern Kosovo on Tuesday. In a response published by the EU office in Kosovo, it was said that the legal procedure was not respected. It was even said that this did not happen only in this case, but also in several others. The EU has called for the demolition to stop.
The Italian Embassy in Kosovo has also reacted, joining the EU in its concern about the demolition of the villas.
In the north, where the action took place, illegal Serbian structures operate. Some villa owners said that they had taken the plots for use from the Serbian public enterprise "Serbija Shume" and that they had paid rent for them. However, in "Ibër-Lepenc" they said that the land is public property of Kosovo, under its administration and that no Serbian enterprise can decide on it.