EU: Establishment of four police bases on private land in the north raises concerns

The Office of the European Union in Pristina stated that it is aware of the preliminary decision of the Government of Kosovo regarding the expropriation of land of public interest in the municipalities of Leposavic and Zubin Potok, and it called on the Kosovo authorities to strictly adhere to the legal procedures when expropriating immovable property.

The establishment of four police bases on privately and socially owned land, as stated, in some cases prior to initiating expropriation procedures, "raises concerns about property rights in the north of Kosovo," and must be adequately addressed by the authorities.

"The EU urges Kosovo authorities to strictly adhere to legal procedures in the expropriation of immovable property, to do their utmost to ensure that due process is followed and that the property rights of affected owners and interest holders are fully respected," the press release states.

The EU Office in Pristina emphasized that any expropriation is sensitive by nature, which is why legal procedures foresee steps such as the advanced notification and comprehensive information of property owners, their right to submit comments on the requested expropriation, the possibility of an appropriate legal remedy and their adequate compensation before the process is brought to its conclusion.