What is behind the violence between Serbia and Kosovo? | Inside Story

Summary

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo have escalated due to a dispute over car license plates, leading to roadblocks, armed attacks, and delayed local elections. The EU urges de-escalation as Serbia's president calls for calm. Kosovo, predominantly ethnic Albanian, declared independence in 2008, but Serbia and its ally Russia do not recognize it. The conflict is rooted in the failure to implement the Brussels Agreement, particularly the establishment of the Association of Serbian Municipalities. International mediation, including by the EU and the US, is crucial for a resolution, but accusations of proxy conflicts and geopolitical struggles complicate the path to normalization.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo have escalated due to a dispute over car license plates, leading to roadblocks, armed attacks, and delayed local elections.
• 🌐 The European Union is urging all parties to de-escalate the situation and is actively involved in negotiations to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo.
• 🏷️ The dispute began when Kosovo planned to ban Serbian license plates, which was met with resistance from the Serbian community in Kosovo.
• 🛑 Serbs in Kosovo's North blocked main roads in protest after the arrest of a former policeman, who was part of a group that resigned over the license plate issue.
• 🔍 Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vučić, has called for calm and has demanded the release of all Serbs arrested by Kosovo police.
• ⚖️ Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has accused Serbia of trying to destabilize the region and has called for NATO intervention.
• 🏛️ The issue is tied to broader geopolitical struggles, with some suggesting Serbia is acting as a proxy for Russia in the conflict.
• 🤝 There is a call for diplomacy and negotiations to resolve the conflict, with the involvement of the EU, the US, and other international actors.
• 🏢 The creation of an Association of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo is a key point of contention and a potential solution to the ongoing disputes.
• 🌍 The recognition of Kosovo's independence by over 100 countries and the role of NATO peacekeepers in maintaining stability are significant factors in the region's dynamics.

Q & A

What is the recent dispute between Serbia and Kosovo about?

The recent dispute between Serbia and Kosovo is about car license plates. Kosovo's plan to ban Serbian license plates has led to Serbs blocking border crossings and protests, escalating the already strained relations between the two.

What triggered the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo?

The tensions were triggered by a dispute over car license plates, which led to roadblocks, armed attacks, and delayed local elections.

What is the historical context of the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo?

Kosovo used to be part of Serbia, but after a war in the late 1990s, it declared independence in 2008. Ethnic Albanians make up the majority of Kosovo's population, while ethnic Serbs form a minority and have felt marginalized.

What role is the European Union playing in the Serbia-Kosovo conflict?

The European Union is urging all parties to de-escalate and is involved in sponsoring talks between Serbia and Kosovo to normalize their relations.

How has the situation affected local elections in the region?

The situation has led to the postponement of local elections in certain municipalities in the north of Kosovo, which were supposed to take place on December 18th.

What measures have been taken by the international community to address the tensions?

NATO, the EU, and the United States have called for restraint from both parties and demanded the removal of barricades to allow for further work on a solution for the normalization of relations.

What are the main demands of the ethnic Serbs in Northern Kosovo?

Ethnic Serbs in Northern Kosovo demand the implementation of the Brussels Agreement, which includes the creation of an Association of Serbian Municipalities, and they oppose Kosovo's attempts to impose its authority without agreement.

What is the position of Serbia's president regarding the situation?

Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vucic, has called for calm and has blamed Kosovo for provoking the situation. He has also demanded the release of all Serbs arrested by Kosovo police.

How does Kosovo's prime minister view the role of Serbia in the current tensions?

Kosovo's prime minister, Albin Kurti, accuses Serbia of trying to destabilize the region and has called on NATO to step in and guarantee freedom of movement.

What are the broader geopolitical implications of the Serbia-Kosovo conflict?

The conflict is seen by some as a geopolitical struggle, with Serbia acting as a proxy for Russia, and Kosovo as an ally of the West. The situation is being closely watched by NATO and the EU, as it could potentially escalate into a larger conflict.