EU on expulsion of Serbian police officers from Kosovo: This should have been the last resort

2025-06-19 15:23:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

EU on expulsion of Serbian police officers from Kosovo: This should have been

A European Union spokesperson said that measures such as revoking citizenship or expulsion, in the case of members of the Serbian Interior Ministry living in Kosovo, should have been measures of last resort and taken only after a legal process.

In a written response to Radio Free Europe, the EU spokesperson also said that measures to revoke citizenship or expel must be in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular the requirement in Article 8, which requires an individual assessment based on evidence, balancing national security with the person's private and family life.

"We are closely following the arrests and deportations. We have urged the Kosovo authorities to ensure a fair process, respect fundamental rights standards and guarantee legal remedies for those affected," the response sent by the EU said.

Kosovo authorities have, since June 15, expelled five members of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs, who were living in Kosovo, on the grounds that they "pose a threat to national security."

The Acting Minister of Internal Affairs of Kosovo, Xhelal Sveçla, previously announced that the decision to revoke citizenship was made based on the Law on Citizenship, by-laws and recommendations of relevant institutions.

The German Embassy in Kosovo previously told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that sensitive decisions, such as the revocation of citizenship and expulsion, must be made in accordance with all legal provisions, including the European Convention on Human Rights.

The embassy said that affected persons should be provided with full access to legal advice and the opportunity for legal appeal.

The Italian Embassy in Kosovo also told Radio Free Europe that it is carefully following the situation regarding the expulsion of Serbian police officers, as well as the arrest of former Kosovo police officer Arbnor Spahiu in Serbia.

"Our call for both sides is to act in full respect of the rule of law and to refrain from actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions," the response sent by the Italian Embassy in Kosovo states.

On June 7, former member of the Kosovo Police Special Unit, Arbnor Spahiu, was arrested in Serbia, accused of “aggravated murder in Banjska” in September 2023, when an armed group of Serbs attacked the Kosovo Police and killed a sergeant. Three Serb attackers were killed in the exchange of fire.

Spahiu's lawyer, Arianit Koci, told Radio Free Europe that his client is being accused of killing three Serb attackers in Banjska.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission said they do not have complete information about the expulsion of Serbian MUP members and the revocation of Kosovo citizenship, so they cannot comment on specific cases. However, the OSCE said they are closely monitoring the situation.

"We emphasize that in such situations, institutions must adhere to the rule of law and due process of law, in accordance with international law," the OSCE told Radio Free Europe.

Meanwhile, a group of Serbian non-governmental organizations reacted on June 18, expressing "deep concern about the recent practice of expelling citizens of Serbian nationality, with permanent residence and family in Kosovo, without prior revocation of citizenship, without trial and without the right to appeal."

The Office for Kosovo in the Government of Serbia, in its reaction, assessed that this is a "policy of persecution of a people and ethnic cleansing of Serbs."

He also said that he is in direct contact with representatives of the European Union and that he has informed international representatives about everything.

According to the Law on Citizenship of Kosovo, a person loses citizenship if he engages in activities that undermine the national security of Kosovo, as well as if he intentionally joins an organization that aims to destroy or damage the constitutional order of Kosovo.

According to the same law, a person may lose citizenship if he is a member of the intelligence service or police forces of another state, without the consent of local authorities or if such a thing is not permitted by international agreement./ REL