Mayors from the North to EU representatives: Frequent unilateral actions by central institutions are hindering our functioning

The mayors of the four municipalities in northern Kosovo met today with the Acting Head of the EU Office in Pristina, Eva Palatova, her associates, representatives of EULEX, and ambassadors of EU member states, informing them that the increasingly frequent unilateral actions taken by the central institutions have been hampering the functioning of the municipalities and calling into question their legally defined competencies.

According to a statement issued by the Serbian List, the meeting, held at the Municipality of Zvecan, focused on the key challenges faced by local self-government institutions in northern Kosovo, with particular emphasis on the relationship between the central institutions and the municipalities, respect for the legally established competencies of local self-government, and the protection of citizens' rights.

The statement notes that the mayors pointed out that, in the recent period, unilateral actions have become increasingly frequent, making it more difficult for municipalities to function and undermining their legal competencies. Of particular concern, they said, were the recent demolitions of buildings carried out without final court decisions and without the approval of the competent municipal authorities, which they argued undermines the principles of the rule of law and legal certainty.

It was emphasized that the municipalities are facing serious institutional constraints that prevent them from operating effectively.

The mayors also highlighted their inability to recruit the necessary professional staff, the limited access to and use of budgetary funds, as well as obstacles to the implementation of capital investments and infrastructure projects.

It was assessed that such circumstances have a direct negative impact on the quality of public services and slow the development of local communities, to the detriment of all citizens.

The mayors reiterated their full readiness to continue improving the work of local self-government institutions, in cooperation with all relevant institutions and international partners, in the interest of all citizens.

At the same time, they stressed that this requires the central institutions and the Kosovo Police to act in accordance with the applicable legal framework, respect the competencies of the municipalities, and ensure the unhindered functioning of local self-government. They also expressed gratitude to the EU representatives for their clear response to the recent developments, the statement added.