The EU in Kosovo welcomes the adoption of the Law on Domestic Violence, Gender-based Violence, and Violence against Women by the Kosovo Assembly on 21 September. This is a step forward towards a more efficient system for the prevention of such violence and protection of survivors. It provides for reinforced institutional responsibilities and safeguards, as foreseen in the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), the EU acquis, and international best practices.

It is essential for Kosovo to now swiftly implement the law in line with the Criminal Code, the Istanbul Convention, and the EU acquis. We call on all relevant institutions to allocate the necessary resources and to guarantee an inclusive process of public consultations for the drafting of secondary legislation, duly including civil society organisations.

The EU in Kosovo reaffirms its willingness to support Kosovo in implementing the law.