EULEX debates rule of law with Kosovo civil society

Over October and November, Saferworld and partners the Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ) are organising a series of debates across Kosovo between the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Kosovo institutions and civil society. The debates will ask ‘How to consolidate the Rule of Law in Kosovo?’

EULEX is a civilian mission that aims to provide technical support and assistance to support the Kosovo authorities improve the rule of law – particularly with regards to the police, judiciary and customs. Saferworld and FIQ have been working closely with EULEX to help ensure that they properly take into consideration the views of the Kosovo public and civil society groups when carrying out their mission.

“We welcome the first step of EULEX in opening the debate with Kosovo civil society on this important topic and we hope EULEX will continue to listen to the concerns, needs and ideas of citizens throughout Kosovo,” said Ferdinand Nikolla, Executive Director of FIQ. “These debates aim to contribute to a qualitative discussion and public inclusion in elaborating the opportunities and challenges in strengthening the rule of law in Kosovo, which is a precondition for Kosovo’s overall prosperity.”

The first debate was held this morning in the Hotel Dukagjini in Pejë / Peć. Turnout was excellent with around sixty representatives from civil society, Kosovo institutions and EULEX contributing to a high level of debate. Details of the following debates can be found on both the www.safeplaceproject.org and www.fiq-fci.org websites but provisional venues include Gjilan / Gnjilane; Ferizaj / Uroševac; Gjakovë / Djakovica; Gracanicë / Gračanica; Prizren; Obiliq / Obilić; Mitrovicë / Mitrovica; and Pristina.