In a significant move, the Government of Serbia has declared Kosovo as a region of special social protection, according to a recent announcement. This decision was formalized during a government session today and aims to address the social welfare needs of the population in Kosovo and includes provisions for a new judicial framework to handle criminal acts committed in the region.
This declaration follows a series of measures presented by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in early September, which were a response to the ongoing closure of Serbian institutions in Northern Kosovo. Vučić outlined five key chapters of these measures, including calls for the restoration of local elections in Northern Kosovo, the reintegration of Serbs into the Kosovo police and judiciary, the release of „political prisoners,“ and the formation of a Association of Serb Municipalities.
The new law on special social protection outlines the rights and conditions for accessing these protections, aiming to prevent social exclusion and its consequences. The government stated that the initiative provides financial support to specified categories of the population, focusing on their survival in the region and the preservation of cultural and historical heritage. The measures emphasize the importance of demographic, economic, and cultural development.
Among the law’s provisions is support for unemployed individuals and those over 65 who have not received a pension, ensuring they have financial assistance to lead productive lives and mitigate the effects of social exclusion.
In addition to the social protection law, the government also approved a proposal regarding the organization and jurisdiction of judicial bodies to prosecute criminal acts committed in Kosovo. This law is designed to establish adequate mechanisms for the collaboration of judicial authorities, ensuring that public prosecutors receive robust support throughout investigations and legal proceedings.
The proposed legal framework allows for the specialization of courts handling criminal cases in Kosovo, aiming for greater efficiency and significance in legal proceedings. According to the new law, the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Higher Court in Belgrade will oversee first-instance cases, while appellate cases will fall under the jurisdiction of the Appellate Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Appellate Court in Belgrade. Furthermore, a Special Department for prosecuting crimes committed in Kosovo will be established within the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti criticized the Serbian government’s measures, describing them as part of an aggressive campaign aimed at fostering new conflicts. Negative responses to the legislation have also emerged from various quarters in Pristina, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the issue of Kosovo’s status.
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