The European Union issued a strong condemnation following remarks made by the Serbian minister for Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Snezhana Paunović. Ms. Paunović stated that in 1998, she would have “ethnically cleansed Kosovo,” drawing a parallel to the actions attributed to former Serbian President Slobodan Milošević.
In response, European Commission Spokesperson, Anitta Hipper, addressed journalists in Brussels, emphasizing that while the EU does not comment on every individual statement, there is no place within Europe for rhetoric that justifies or promotes ethnic cleansing. Hipper asserted that such comments fundamentally contradict the core values of human dignity, tolerance, accountability, and good neighborly relations upon which the European Union is built. Furthermore, the Spokesperson noted that these specific statements run counter to the commitments that Serbia has made within the ongoing dialogue aimed at normalization.
The EU’s reaction underscored a firm policy stance against inflammatory language concerning regional stability and human rights. The condemnation signals that the EU views such historical and political rhetoric as incompatible with the cooperative framework necessary for advancing bilateral agreements and maintaining regional peace. The remarks have thus become a significant point of diplomatic friction between Belgrade and Brussels.
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