The roundtable “Post-election Governance in Northern Kosovo: Challenges, Dialogue, and Next Steps” was held on 4 December 2025 at the Civic Energy Center in North Mitrovica, within the project “Cohesive futures – Building Resilient Communities through Social Cohesion and Inter-ethnic/Inter-religious Exchange”, implemented with GCERF support by NGOs Syri i Vizionit, Edutask Institute and NGO Aktiv.
Participants, representatives of civil society, media, local assembly members from the four northern municipalities and Peja, as well as officials from the Ministry of Interior and international organizations, assessed that the centralization of police competences, the continuous presence of special units, and limited local representation further deepen institutional uncertainty.
Key challenges identified include: lack of transparency in previous local administrations, unclear decisions in several municipalities, especially in Leposavić, as well as issues related to the ban on the use of the dinar, expropriation, and restrictions on cultural and sports activities.
Participants underlined that spatial planning and economic development are essential for the survival of local communities, and that their involvement in planning and decision-making processes must be strengthened. Particular attention was devoted to trust in the Kosovo Police. It was noted that some police operations, according to community perceptions, are not accompanied by adequate communication, and that many incidents remain unprocessed. Police representatives, however, emphasized that they act in accordance with the law, enjoy the confidence of the majority of citizens, and that their primary aim is safeguarding public security.
Additional concern was expressed regarding administrative obstacles, especially difficulties in issuing personal documents for citizens born in Kosovo but residing in Serbia, which further undermines trust in institutions.
Representatives of the Albanian community voiced concerns regarding the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, but also recalled that Serb-majority municipalities already possess expanded constitutional competences that remain under-utilized. It was also highlighted that future mayors should participate more actively in the work of Local Safety Councils.
Positive examples of interethnic cooperation were noted as well, such as the transparent work of the local administration in Peja and joint initiatives in Gorazhdevc/Goraždevac, which contribute to rebuilding trust between communities.
Civil society representatives emphasized that restoring trust is possible only by establishing clear and permanent channels of communication between municipalities, central institutions, and citizens. The identified priorities include depoliticization of local administration, direct dialogue with communities, and strengthening institutions based on legality, inclusiveness, and accountability.
Participants concluded that, despite numerous challenges, there is broad consensus that issues in northern Kosovo can be resolved exclusively through peaceful means, via dialogue, consistent respect for the law, and the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders.
