The European Union’s top representative in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, has strongly condemned political interference in the judiciary and attacks against individual judges, calling them “unacceptable.” His statement, also echoed by EULEX Head Giovanni Pietro Barbano, comes after a recent ruling by Kosovo’s Supreme Court.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court annulled an administrative instruction issued by the acting Minister of Finance, due to a conflict of interest stemming from his simultaneous role as a Member of Parliament.
The decision sparked backlash from the ruling party, Vetëvendosje, whose members accused the court of politically motivated and arbitrary legal interpretation.
On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi described the court’s ruling as a “declaration of war,” while the Finance Minister whose instruction was overturned went so far as to publicly disclose the names of the judges behind the decision.
Such developments prompted a sharp response from the Supreme Court itself, which denounced the statements as unacceptable interference in judicial independence.
Addressing the growing controversy, EU Ambassador Aivo Orav stated:
“The EU Heads of Missions discussed the situation after the Supreme Court decision. Attacks against individual judges and political interference into judiciary are inacceptable.”
The EU Heads of Missions discussed the situation after the Supreme Court decision. Attacks against individual judges and political interference into judiciary are inacceptable. https://t.co/BXj2XAig3i
— Aivo Orav (@AivoOrav) July 16, 2025
EULEX Chief Giovanni Pietro Barbano expressed full support for Orav’s statement, writing:
“I fully echo the view of the EU Heads of Mission. Independence of the judiciary remains a fundamental foundation of the Rule of Law and must be guaranteed.
I fully echo the view of the EU Heads of Mission. Independence of the judiciary remains a fundamental foundation of the Rule of Law and must be guaranteed. https://t.co/LB1vnmHSK0
— Giovanni Pietro Barbano (@EulexHoM) July 16, 2025
On the other hand, opposition leaders welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, claiming it confirms their long-standing argument that ministers cannot simultaneously serve as MPs.
Two LDK MPs, Besian Mustafa and Alban Zogaj, submitted the court’s ruling today as supporting evidence in a prior criminal complaint against 17 individuals alleged to have held both functions.
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