With reference to media reports concerning the role of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) related to operations conducted by Kosovo authorities in northern Kosovo, we would like to clarify that:

As known, since 2018, EULEX no longer has an executive mandate. EULEX is mandated to help strengthen the rule of law institutions in Kosovo in order for them to be sustainable, accountable, and able to effectively guarantee the rights of everyone without discrimination.

To this end, monitoring is an essential component of EULEX’s mandate. To effectively exercise our robust monitoring capability, we also need to be physically present at the scene of the activities carried out by Kosovo institutions along the entire justice chain.

This entails monitoring on the ground as an impartial party thereto the posture and conduct of the Kosovo authorities, to assess their adherence to the rule of law and human rights obligations, with a clear commitment against any form of human rights abuse or discrimination.

While conducting our monitoring activities, we fully respect the independence of judicial authorities and the principle of non-interference; and if through these monitoring activities, serious shortcomings are identified, the Mission addresses these with the relevant, responsible authorities.