On Friday, September 19, at the Civic Energy Center in North Mitrovica, a discussion titled “Dialogue on Normalization: Current State, Challenges, and Opportunities” was organized by the NGO Aktiv and the Kosovo Civic Alternative.
Representatives of local authorities, political parties of Kosovo Serbs, and members of the civil sector from both the Serbian and Albanian communities analyzed key issues in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, with a particular focus on the current political situation in northern Kosovo and the challenges in the normalization process.
Participants pointed out that the dialogue has been stagnant for two and a half years, while the latest meeting in Brussels did not bring significant progress. Although progress, tension reduction, and a return to political dialogue were expected, it was assessed that both sides now view a near-term solution with pessimism.
In this regard, political circumstances, such as the upcoming elections in Kosovo and the United States, are considered to further delay the process. It was particularly emphasized that social and political instability in Kosovo is a major obstacle to progress. According to the participants, the situation on the ground remains tense, and the main goal of international and local actors is now to stabilize the situation and reduce tensions to an acceptable level to create conditions for continuing the dialogue.
Participants noted that the greatest tensions are in northern Kosovo, making the normalization process a question of stability. During the discussion, it was emphasized that the current political situation contributes to the growing polarization between the Serbian and Albanian communities in Kosovo. Concern was expressed that the quality of life for Serbs, especially in northern Kosovo, has significantly deteriorated, and efforts for their integration into Kosovo’s political and social life are minimal.
Participants agreed that the current narrative must be changed toward a process that promotes concrete and positive solutions capable of bringing long-term political and social changes. One of the key conclusions of the discussion concerns the importance of involving local communities, particularly the Serbian community in northern Kosovo, in institutional processes.
One of the key challenges, according to the participants’ assessments, is the need to reduce the presence of special police units in northern Kosovo, which would contribute to lowering tensions. Additionally, participants pointed to the need to resolve the issue of land expropriation, which further complicates relations in this part of Kosovo, as well as the importance of investing in infrastructure projects that would improve the lives of all communities. The establishment of a consultative forum between the Kosovo government and local Serbian representatives was also proposed.
Although integration is often discussed, a more inclusive approach was suggested, which would allow for the creation of conditions for peaceful coexistence and building trust between communities. Participants emphasized that agreements and solutions must take into account local contexts to be accepted by citizens and implemented more easily.
Concrete measures were recommended to build trust between communities. These included the return of a certain number of Serbian police officers to local stations, improving communication in the Serbian language in public services, the return of judges and prosecutors, and strengthening the presence of the police inspectorate in northern Kosovo. Additionally, special attention must be given to resolving issues such as the Mitrovica bridge, which is a source of tension, and creating conditions for a more inclusive political and social framework that would enable peaceful coexistence between communities. The importance of guarantees for the participation of Serbs in future elections was also highlighted, ensuring that the electoral process is free from external influence.
It was stated that urgent actions are needed to reduce tensions and stabilize the situation on the ground to create conditions for continuing the dialogue. However, progress in the normalization process will depend, as stated at the gathering, on political will both in Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the active involvement of local actors and their participation in making key decisions.
It was concluded that the political dialogue must be renewed, and more frequent meetings between representatives of all relevant parties should be organized.
“A comprehensive approach that takes into account the interests of all communities is key to achieving long-term peace and stability in Kosovo”, it was stated at the event.
This debate was held with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
