Wigand: EU does not comment on individual initiatives, continues consistent support for Specialist Chambers

European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand said today that the European Union considered that the Kosovo Specialist Chambers administered justice through fair, impartial and independent judicial proceedings based on the principle of individual criminal responsibility, recalling that those convicted at first instance had the right to appeal their convictions. He added that the EU did not comment on individual initiatives.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Wigand stressed that the EU did not comment on individual announcements or plans, such as the Democratic Party of Kosovo’s initiative to amend the Law on Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in order to limit their jurisdiction to the specific allegations contained in Dick Marty’s report, while cases falling outside that jurisdiction would be transferred to Kosovo.

“The Kosovo Specialist Chambers are an independent judicial institution established by decisions of the Kosovo Assembly in 2014 and 2015, operating within Kosovo’s legal system and consistently supported by the EU. Their work is important for ensuring accountability and delivering justice for victims and their families from all communities in Kosovo,” Wigand said.

He added that the EU would continue its consistent support for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.