Bilcik: There are serious doubts regarding the expropriation conducted by Pristina in the north

There are serious, fundamental doubts regarding the expropriation of land in northern Kosovo, which is why all relevant international institutions have addressed this issue, Vladimir Bilcik, the European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, says in an interview with Kosovo Online.

The Kosovo Government recently dismissed all objections from the EU, the US Embassy in Kosovo, and the OSCE regarding the expropriation of Serbian properties in Leposavic and Zubin Potok, which has been ongoing for months, claiming that "everything has been done in accordance with the rule of law."

Bilcik emphasizes that the rule of law is crucial, and the question of land expropriation in northern Kosovo remains an open issue that burdens the dialogue.

"We tell everyone in the Western Balkans to rely on the rule of law if they want to progress in European integration. Any changes in property rights and any expropriation must be in accordance with the rule of law. This is part of the problem and shows how difficult it is to move ahead in the dialogue. That difficulty also stems from Pristina's position on many issues. I mentioned the Community of Serb Municipalities, and this is just another open issue," Bilcik conveys.

He underscores that, at the moment, the main concern and focus are on the events in Banjska on September 24th.

"There are a multitude of issues and problems, but it takes two to tango. All sides have to deliver what is expected of them, and this is an issue that remains on the table as an open one when it comes to the rule of law and fulfilling obligations by Pristina," Bilcik notes.