EU on Gazivode demolitions: Those affected must have access to judicial protection

The European Union has responded to the demolition of structures at Lake Gazivode, in the village of Rezala, stating that all irreversible enforcement measures must be carried out in accordance with due process and that those affected must have access to effective legal remedies.

“The EU has repeatedly stressed that all irreversible enforcement measures should be carried out in accordance with due process,” an EU spokesperson said in a response provided to Kosovo Online.

Those affected should be given an effective opportunity to seek legal remedies and, where applicable, interim judicial protection before the measure is implemented.

The EU recalled that it had repeatedly raised the issue with the Kosovo authorities, together with international partners.

“We have repeatedly raised this issue with the Kosovo authorities, together with our international partners,” the EU spokesperson said.

The EU also stated that it expected the principle of equality before the law to be applied throughout Kosovo.

“We expect the principle of equality before the law to be applied throughout Kosovo, including in cases involving demolitions,” the EU spokesperson concluded in response to questions concerning the demolition of structures in the village of Rezala at Lake Gazivode, where, among other structures, the Holy Trinity community hall was also demolished.

Demolitions at Gazivode have been ongoing since late June, and another seven structures were demolished today in the village of Medjedji Potok.