The spokesperson of the European Union, Peter Stano, affirmed on Monday that the Kosovo Police holds the authority to investigate the incidents that took place in Banjska, Zvecan, on September 24, while Serbia is obligated to cooperate without any conditions.
Stano made these statements in response to recent evidence released by Kosovo authorities concerning this attack.
He reiterated that the EU is awaiting comprehensive investigation results to gain a clear understanding of the events. Based on these findings, member states, including potential actions against Serbia, can be considered.
When queried about the accountability of the former Deputy Chairman of the Serb List, Milan Radojičić, for the attack and whether the EU would assist in his extradition to Kosovo, Stano responded that the EU expects “full, transparent, and unconditional cooperation from Serbia” to clarify both the perpetrators and those behind the terrorist attack.
“We have seen what Radojičić stated. All facts must be verified and clarified. We anticipate complete cooperation from Serbia. Our commitment is not expressed through media but through our channels,” said the EU spokesperson.
Regarding Belgrade’s claims that the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX, was not permitted to participate in the investigations, Stano explained, “EULEX does not require a spokesperson speaking on its behalf from the other side, as it has its own office”.
Stano emphasized that new evidence emerges daily. While the EU refrains from commenting on these developments, it expects conclusive results to clarify all aspects of the terrorist attack. Serbia is expected to provide full cooperation. The EU has clearly stated its readiness to impose measures against Serbia should member states deem sufficient evidence exists.
Stano made it explicit that Kosovo authorities have the mandate to conduct the Banjska investigation: “This took place within Kosovo’s territory, and the Kosovo Police are conducting the investigations. Our cooperation with them is robust”.
Responding to whether it makes sense to continue the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia given the current situation, especially as Serbia may hold elections in December, the EU spokesperson underscored that the EU and its partners view the dialogue’s continuation as the sole means to resolve issues.
“While there are always election cycles, we must restart the dialogue because it represents the only path to normalizing relations. If normalization were in place, the situation would not have escalated to this point. Therefore, we call on the EU and its partners to return to the dialogue,” Stano emphasized.
Kosovo and Serbia have been engaged in the EU-facilitated dialogue for normalizing relations since 2011.
While both parties have signed numerous agreements, not all have been fully implemented.
