On November 13, 2025, NGO CASA presented the findings of the Trust Index 2025, at the Barabar Centre in Pristina. This annual research provides a systematic and evidence-based overview of how Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo perceive each other, the key factors shaping their interactions, and prospects for improving mutual trust and reconciliation.
The Trust Index 2025 was conducted on a representative sample of citizens across Kosovo, aiming to assess attitudes toward present and future interethnic relations, measure ethnic distance, and analyse the influence of demographic factors on these perceptions. The study also tracked trends in trust-building, institutional behaviour, and media narratives that impact reconciliation efforts.
Presenting the main findings, political analyst Ognjen Gogić highlighted persistent challenges to interethnic relations, as well as opportunities for fostering greater understanding and cooperation. “Among Serbs there is greater pessimism—more than half expect further deterioration in relations with Albanians, while propaganda and political tensions are perceived as the main drivers of mistrust. Ethnic distance remains very high,” Gogić stated.
The report also reveals that a significant portion of respondents from both communities see the media and divisive political narratives as key factors sustaining the ethnic divide. “We are trapped in political illusions and narratives of fear that hinder any attempt at genuine dialogue,” one panelist observed.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion brought together leading voices from civil society and the media, including Marigona Shabiu (YIHR Kosovo), Darko Dimitrijević (Radio Goraždevac), and Visar Ymeri (Musine Kokalari Institute). The panelists discussed the implications of the report’s findings, sharing perspectives on strategies to overcome current challenges and to promote sustainable reconciliation.
Panelists agreed on the urgent need for more inclusive dialogue, proactive engagement by both communities, and greater accountability among political leaders. They emphasised the role of the media and civil society in challenging polarising narratives and fostering an environment in which trust can grow.
The Trust Index study remains a unique resource for understanding the complexities of interethnic relations in Kosovo and serves as a foundation for evidence-based policy and advocacy work. The event concluded with a Q&A session and an open invitation for further cooperation among all stakeholders committed to reconciliation.
The “Trust Index 2025” was presented as part of the Barabar project, with the support of partners and the engagement of the broader community.
The full Trust Index 2025 report is available in English, Serbian, and Albanian at the following links:
English: https://ngocasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Trust-Index-2025.pdf
Serbian: https://ngocasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Indeks-poverenja-2025.pdf
Albanian: https://https://ngocasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Indeksi-i-besimit-2025.pdf
