EU warns Serbia over Kosovo remarks

A senior European Union official has questioned why a Serbian cabinet minister still has her job after making comments about the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo.

Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told the European Parliament she was shocked that Snezhana Paunovic remains in government following the broadcast interview.

The commissioner said justifying wartime violence goes against core European values and should disqualify anyone from holding public office.

She warned leaders across countries wanting to join the EU that their statements will carry serious political consequences.

The remarks have already triggered formal protests from Kosovo and widespread criticism across the entire Balkan region.