Kosovo’s president returned a controversial bill to parliament for reconsideration after European Union criticism.
Justina Shiroka-Pula sent the amended Kosovo Specialist Chambers law back to the assembly on Thursday, following a formal request from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), which had sponsored the legislation. The EU welcomed the decision and reiterated its expectation of consultation before any further debate on changes to the law.
The bill, passed on October 6, sought to limit the jurisdiction of the Hague-based Specialist Chambers, which prosecutes war crimes linked to the 1998–1999 Kosovo conflict. It followed the court’s convictions of four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders, including Hashim Thaci, on charges of arbitrary detention, torture, and murder. The EU had condemned the amendments as a breach of Kosovo’s international obligations.
In a statement, Shiroka-Pula emphasized her opposition to any attempt to distort Kosovo’s historical narrative or equate its liberation struggle with the regime it opposed. The PDK, which had pushed for the changes, framed the return to parliament as a move to strengthen the law’s legal basis and ensure its practical implementation.
The Specialist Chambers, established in 2015 under a special agreement with the EU, operate as part of Kosovo’s judiciary but are based in The Hague and staffed by international personnel. The EU finances most of its operations and has repeatedly stressed the court’s independence and mandate must be fully respected.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos had previously described the initial amendments as unacceptable and contrary to Kosovo’s commitments. The EU’s spokesperson, Vigand, underscored that any future discussions on the law must involve EU consultation, in line with a 2014 agreement on judicial cooperation.
The PDK’s acting chair, Vlora Çitaku, stated that the party had allowed four additional weeks for review to address any legal concerns. The bill’s return to parliament marks a pause in a process that had triggered protests and political tension in Kosovo.
