The European Union has called on Kosovo's institutions to refrain from actions that would prevent the reintegration of Kosovo Serb judges, prosecutors and support staff, following a decision by the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC) and the Acting President to accept resignations that had already been withdrawn. In a statement on 21 July 2026, the EEAS spokesperson expressed concern that the KPC's decision on 20 July and the Acting President's decree on 21 July appear incompatible with Kosovo's law, due process and overall rule of law requirements.
The EU has consistently called on Kosovo to enable the reintegration of Kosovo Serb judicial personnel in line with Kosovo law and Dialogue agreements. The EU welcomed the withdrawal of resignations on 15 July 2026 by Kosovo Serb judges, prosecutors and support staff. However, the subsequent acceptance of those resignations by the KPC and the Acting President has drawn EU criticism. The statement underscores that under Kosovo's Constitution, the country is a multi-ethnic society governed by the rule of law, and its justice system must reflect ethnic diversity.
The EU's intervention highlights a cleavage between the EU's push for rule-of-law compliance and ethnic integration versus Kosovo's domestic institutional actions that may undermine those goals. The decision by the KPC and the Acting President could have a moderate negative impact on Kosovo Serb judicial personnel seeking to return to work, potentially deepening ethnic divisions in the justice sector. For Kosovo's institutions, the EU's rebuke may increase pressure to align with international standards and Dialogue commitments, while for the EU itself, the episode tests its ability to enforce agreements in the Western Balkans. The statement does not specify any concrete measures the EU might take if Kosovo fails to comply, leaving the follow-up unclear.