Barbano: I expect every action in the north to be discussed with EULEX to avoid violations of individual rights

The head of EULEX, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, who will soon be leaving his position, stated that the situation in northern Kosovo is calm but remains fragile due to the presence of potential factors that could trigger tensions. He said he expects every action to be discussed with the international community, particularly EULEX, in order to avoid unilateral actions that could violate individual rights.

"It is encouraging that most of these factors are discussed in advance with the local authorities, either through dialogue or through security-related mechanisms at a more practical level. This helps prevent potential tensions from a security perspective. However, there are still certain issues that remain under our observation and review and require solutions. What I expect and would like to see is that every action be discussed with the international community, especially EULEX, in order to avoid unilateral actions that could violate individual rights," Barbano said in an interview with Kosova Press.

According to him, recent developments and the government's engagement in dialogue, particularly in the north, have proven very useful and effective in preventing incidents.

"However, from time to time there are still actions that are not sufficiently coordinated at the local level and that continue to attract our attention and concern," he noted.

He further stated that the police in the north are trying to gain the trust of the population through various initiatives and activities carried out by NGOs, civil society organizations, and the local community, but that there are always individuals or groups who can undermine peace and security.

"One aspect that continues to concern us is the ongoing discovery of weapons, not only in the north but throughout Kosovo. This shows that weapons and offensive equipment are still available and relatively easy to obtain. Therefore, great vigilance is required from both the police and the prosecution, along with campaigns encouraging the voluntary surrender of weapons with the goal of demilitarizing these areas," the head of EULEX said.

Commenting on acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti's announcement regarding the formation of a gendarmerie force, Barbano said that the legal framework established by the Constitution must be taken into account, as it defines the police as the primary and sole law enforcement institution.

He noted that the information available to them is limited because the steps taken so far toward establishing a gendarmerie are still in their initial stages.

"Of course, we respect local ownership of the process, but we must also bear in mind the legal framework established by the Constitution, which regards the Kosovo Police as the primary and sole law enforcement institution. Therefore, any solution found for this project must be consistent with that legal framework, as well as with other limitations established by various agreements and arrangements. We are ready to monitor these developments. The mission remains closely engaged in observing this issue and, if necessary, providing advice and expert support," Barbano said.

According to him, there is well-established coordination between the Kosovo Police, KFOR, and EULEX, and if a new actor is created, in this case a gendarmerie, it will be important for it to be incorporated into the same coordination mechanism.

"We have a very well-established coordination mechanism between the Kosovo Police, KFOR, and EULEX across different areas of our mandates, through joint training and regular meetings. Therefore, if a new actor is established, it will be extremely important for it to be integrated into the same coordination mechanism," Barbano said.

The head of EULEX stated that European Union member states are prepared to risk the lives of their police officers serving in the mission in order to support Kosovo and its institutions.

"The Kosovo Police is the first security responder, while KFOR is the third security responder. Between them, EULEX acts as the second security responder, upon the explicit request of the Kosovo Police if the situation requires it. In this way, we fulfill our role as the second security responder in accordance with the will of the European Union member states. This means that EU member states are prepared to risk the lives of their police officers serving in EULEX in order to support Kosovo and its institutions. This is a very important political message that should be understood. It means that we are ready to intervene if necessary," he said.

He added that EULEX remains committed to contributing to the preservation of security and noted that mechanisms are in place to obtain reinforcements from reserve police units if needed.

"We hope that will not be necessary, but we also have mechanisms for obtaining reinforcements from reserve police units provided by the European Gendarmerie Force. We remain committed to contributing to efforts to maintain security. To that end, we have enhanced mechanisms for joint training and continuous information exchange, and increased interoperability with the Kosovo Police and KFOR. This has proven effective on multiple occasions," Barbano said.