On 23 August 2024, the Head of EULEX, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, gave a written interview to the Albanian language media outlet KALLXO. The interview focused on the security situation in northern Kosovo, and, in particular, on the ongoing discussions about the opening of the Ibër/Ibar Bridge.

When asked about the security situation, Barbano confirmed that: “The situation in northern Kosovo is, at present, stable and calm, but remains fragile”, pointing out the importance of pursuing coordination among different stakeholders. “It is a matter of fact that some steps recently taken by the Kosovo authorities without any new prior agreed arrangement - such as the closure of nine Post of Serbia branches in the north of Kosovo - can raise tensions, undermining the already fragile security situation but also negatively impacting Kosovo’s social cohesion and inter-communal relations, and will further negatively affect the living conditions of people,” he stated.

Head of Mission Barbano confirmed that the Mission, in accordance with its mandate, continues to closely monitor the security situation in Kosovo, including the well-being of all communities. Elaborating further on EULEX’s robust monitoring mandate, Barbano explained how the Mission is dedicated to supporting Kosovo authorities in strengthening their community-oriented policing efforts to increase people’s confidence.  “To this end, 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, is an essential component of our mandate” - he added.

Asked about the patrolling role of EULEX, particularly in the vicinity of the bridge, Barbano recalled that EULEX’s first priority is the safety of all communities in Kosovo, and that the Mission remains vigilant. “To gain situational awareness, our Formed Police Unit is conducting regular mobile reconnaissance patrols on a 24/7 basis, in coordination with the Kosovo Police and KFOR, in line with the Kosovo’s three-tiered security responder mechanism, where Kosovo Police is the first security responder, EULEX is the second one, and KFOR is the third security responder” pointed out Barbano.

Read the full interview in Albanian Language at: Shefi i EULEX-it: Hapat e pakoordinuar mund të minojnë situatën e brishtë në veri (kallxo.com)