EU urges Kosovo to halt demolitions near Lake Gazivode
The European Union has repeatedly called on Kosovo’s institutions to suspend all demolition work on structures built near Lake Gazivode (also called Lake Ujmani). EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said the EU regrets the destruction of homes that were erected without permits and urged that any irreversible steps be halted until competent courts issue a final decision. The EU also asked Kosovo authorities to cooperate with the affected residents and local officials to find lawful and sustainable solutions. Kosovo’s public water company Ibar‑Lepenac claims ownership of the land, and since late July authorities have demolished between 11 and 17 houses and other buildings on the site, despite owners having initiated legal proceedings. The EU office in Pristina and several member‑state embassies have warned that demolitions must stop while court cases are pending, and Serbia has condemned the actions as part of a broader policy against the Serbian community in Kosovo.
Entities
Agron Bajrami · Ahmet Grajqevci · Anitta Hipper · European Union · Ibar‑Lepenac · Kosovo · Kosovo Police · Kosovo Special Prosecutor's Office · Kosovo authorities · Lake Gazivode (Lake Ujmani) · Peter Sørensen · Podujevo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The EU urged Kosovo to cooperate with affected residents and local authorities to find sustainable legal solutions. lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info · faktiditor.ch · kosovapost.net · lajmi.net
- [● 5 SOURCES] EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said the EU regrets the demolition of homes built without permits. lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info · faktiditor.ch · kosovapost.net · lajmi.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Serbia criticized the demolitions, describing them as part of a policy to destroy Serbian property in Kosovo. www.arbresh.info
- [● 5 SOURCES] The European Union called for the suspension of demolitions near Lake Ujmani. lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info · faktiditor.ch · kosovapost.net · lajmi.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kosovo authorities claim the structures near Lake Ujmani were built without permits. lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Public Hydro‑Economic Enterprise “Ibër‑Lepenc” administers the land on which the demolished structures stand. www.arbresh.info
- [● 5 SOURCES] The EU said regular judicial procedures were not respected during the demolition process. lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info · faktiditor.ch · kosovapost.net · lajmi.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Demolitions near Lake Ujmani began in the second half of July, with more than ten objects removed. www.arbresh.info