EU: Concerned over institutional crisis in Kosovo, representation of communities regulated by Constitution and laws

We reiterate our concern over the ongoing institutional crisis in Kosovo, particularly the fact that the Assembly has still not been constituted following the expiry of the constitutional deadline on 7 August, the EU Office in Kosovo told Kosovo Online.

The EU declined to comment on a statement by Self-Determination Movement MP Donika Gërvalla that “there is no Serbian people in Kosovo, only a Serbian community”, but stressed:

“While we do not comment on individual remarks, we would like to recall that the representation and participation of members of different communities in Kosovo’s institutions are regulated by the laws and the Constitution, which underpin Kosovo’s multi-ethnic character,” the EU said in its written response.
The response further states that “delays in the formation of institutions carry the risk of slowing down important reforms and may affect Kosovo’s ability to fully benefit from the opportunities offered by the

EU, including those under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans”.

“We also reiterate that only effective and constructive inter-party dialogue and a shared commitment to common objectives will enable Kosovo to achieve those objectives and implement the reforms demanded by its citizens. Respect for the Constitution, the binding case law of the Constitutional Court, the rule of law and good governance requires the process of constituting the Assembly to continue without further delay, with all actors fulfilling their respective obligations,” the response concludes.
Acting President of Kosovo and Speaker of Parliament in the previous legislature Albulena Haxhiu was elected Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly today.

When the nomination of candidates for deputy speakers of parliament came onto the agenda, Haxhiu adjourned the session following the proposal put forward by the Serbian List and a statement by the head of the party’s parliamentary group, Igor Simić, that “on behalf of the Serbian people, he nominates Slavko Simić for deputy speaker”.

The session has been rescheduled for Friday at 11 a.m.