The policy paper provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges, needs, and attitudes of the Kosovo-Serb community, emphasizing the significant adversities faced by this group in recent years due to political tensions, security incidents, and socio-economic difficulties. The paper highlights that these challenges are rooted in historical conflicts, ongoing political instability, and ethnic tensions, further complicated by changing migration patterns among the Serbian community. Despite Kosovo’s legal framework that guarantees rights for non-majority communities, in practice, the realization of these rights often remains unfulfilled, leading to feelings of exclusion and marginalization among Kosovo Serbs.
The methodology employed in the study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the community’s experiences through surveys and expert analysis. Findings reveal that a majority of respondents (80.6%) feel that their community’s position has deteriorated over the past three years, citing concerns over unemployment and security. Accessing public services at both local and central levels is fraught with obstacles, including language barriers and perceived discrimination, which exacerbate the sense of insecurity within the community. The paper notes a troubling trend of migration among Kosovo Serbs, driven by economic hardship and political instability, indicating a silent exodus that threatens the community’s future presence in Kosovo.
The policy paper also addresses the boycott of Kosovo institutions by the Serbian political leaders and community members, which was initiated in November 2022 in response to perceived injustices. However, the research indicates that this withdrawal has not garnered significant support from the broader community, as many Kosovo Serbs believe that re-engagement with local institutions is essential for addressing their needs and improving their socio-political position.
Recommendations focus on improving access to public services, fostering trust, addressing discrimination, and enhancing political participation. The report advocates for better implementation of existing legal provisions and calls for political will to ensure that Kosovo’s institutions adequately serve the needs of the Serbian community, thereby promoting stability and coexistence in the region.
The entire publication can be found HERE.
