Albania has expressed strong concern over Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i?’s remarks about the possibility of changing the course of the Ibar River, as tensions over water resources add a new dimension to already strained relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, said Monday that any intervention affecting a transboundary waterway cannot be decided unilaterally, particularly when it could affect another country’s territory, environment, water security and access to water.

Hoxha said Serbia must respect international water-law obligations, including principles requiring equitable use of shared waters, prevention of cross-border harm, information-sharing and consultation before measures with potential transboundary consequences are taken.

The statement came after Vu?i? said Serbia was considering changing the flow of the Ibar and that experts and engineers had been engaged to examine the possibility. His remarks were widely interpreted as being linked to tensions with Kosovo and Belgrade’s disputes with Pristina.

Kosovo officials have also rejected the idea. Acting Environment Minister Fitore Pacolli called the proposal unacceptable, while reports have highlighted the river’s importance to Kosovo’s water system and the potential implications for the Ibar-Lepenac system.

Albania said any project capable of affecting the flow, quantity or quality of water reaching Kosovo should be based on scientific data, a full assessment of cross-border impacts and consultation with the affected side.

“Water cannot be used as an instrument of political pressure or as a means to punish another state or population,” Hoxha said.

Albania also reaffirmed its support for Kosovo’s right to water security and sustainable development, urging that disputes over shared water resources be addressed through dialogue, cooperation and European standards rather than unilateral action.