Kosovo authorities have closed five parallel institutions working with the ethnic Serb minority, a move that has been criticized by the US and may heighten tensions with Serbia. The closure of these institutions in the north where most ethnic Serbs live was confirmed by Kosovo’s minister of local administration, Elbert Krasniqi, who stated that they violated Kosovo’s constitution and laws. The US embassy in Kosovo expressed concern over the impact on the ethnic Serb community.
Serbia has been assisting the Serb minority since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move not recognized by Belgrade. Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia persist, with normalisation talks stalled despite efforts by the EU and the US. Kosovo’s unilateral closure of a Serbia-licensed bank in northern Kosovo and plans to open a bridge dividing Mitrovica have further fueled unrest between the two sides.
Kurti, the Kosovo Prime Minister, has been at odds with western powers over these actions. Prior incidents, including a shootout between Serb gunmen and Kosovo police in 2023, have further strained relations. The upcoming parliamentary elections in Kosovo on 9 February are expected to be a test for Kurti, whose party won a landslide victory in 2021.
The situation in Kosovo remains complex and fragile, with unresolved tensions between ethnic groups and ongoing disputes with Serbia. The international community continues to urge both sides to implement agreements reached in previous years to promote peace and stability in the region.
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