WEBINAR: Serbia and Kosovo Disputes over the 

On September 24, 2024, Strategic Analysis organized the sixth online webinar this year with our Young Leaders‘ Programme members. The discussion focused on the escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo, particularly the issues surrounding the closure of Serbian parallel institutions, protests by the Serbian population, and the reactions of international actors to these events.

Kosovo has been facing rising tensions with its ethnic Serb population, particularly in the northern region, following the closure of Serbia-run „parallel institutions.“ These offices, funded and operated by the Serbian government, were deemed illegal by Kosovo authorities, who have been trying to extend their control over the Serb-majority areas. This move has sparked protests from the local Serbian population.

In two related incidents, Kosovo authorities shut down five Serbia-backed offices, leading to road blockades by Serbs on the Serbian side of the border. The closures took place after Kosovo Police raided the offices, citing concerns about falsified documents. Among the institutions closed were parallel municipalities in North Mitrovica and several other towns, as well as a hospital where police seized weapons and other suspicious items. These closures triggered protests in North Mitrovica, with dozens of Kosovo Serbs attempting to return to work in the now-closed offices.

The root of the issue lies in the long-standing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but Serbia, which still sees Kosovo as part of its territory, funds and supports ethnic Serbs living in Kosovo, encouraging them to remain loyal to Belgrade. The continued operation of parallel institutions undermined Kosovo’s sovereignty, but their closure now risks further destabilizing the region.

Western diplomats, including US ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier and the UN mission in Kosovo, have expressed concern over Kosovo’s unilateral actions. They argue that decisions of this magnitude should be made within the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Hovenier criticized Kosovo for not coordinating with international partners, warning that these actions could increase tensions and endanger stability.

Both incidents reflect the broader context of Kosovo’s efforts to assert its authority over the north, where ethnic Serbs largely reject Kosovo’s institutions, and Serbia continues to exert influence. Despite previous agreements, such as the 2013 Brussels Agreement aimed at dissolving parallel structures, full implementation has been elusive, and tensions between the two communities remain high.