Rising tensions border Kosovo and Serbia as the war’s end approaches its 26th year. Peace remains elusive despite the passage of time since the conflict ended. A new law that took effect this week sparked disputes: Kosovo now requires visitors from Serbia to carry documents valid for three months, issued by Pristina, instead of their Serbian IDs. The Kosovo government has decided to delay full enforcement by one month, setting a start date of 1 September to allow for a transition.
past war
Twenty-four years after the conflict in Kosovo ended, normalization has still not reached every corner of the country. Kosovo’s status remains disputed by several states, including five members of the European Union, among them Spain. The war stretched from late February 1998 to 11 June 1999, drawing in forces from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Albanian rebel groups, with Kosovo’s forces known as the Kosovo Liberation Army receiving air support from NATO and ground backing from Albanian troops. After the fighting, Kosovo was placed under United Nations administration as the international community determined its future status. Negotiations began in 2006, with UN-hosted rounds, and the independence plan put forward by Martti Ahtisaari faced rejection from Serbia. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but Serbia has not recognized it as a sovereign state, though more than a hundred countries have extended recognition.
current conflict
A fresh wave of clashes erupted over the weekend, following the planned tightening of document rules and plate recognition in Kosovo. Authorities closed the Brnjak and Jarinje border crossings to traffic and increased patrols in northern Kosovo, where the Serb minority is concentrated, to verify documents. Serbs opposed to the measures blocked roadways toward these crossings from Mitrovica, where Serbs form a majority. Both sides accused the other of trying to destabilize the region. Under the new rules, anyone entering Kosovo with a Serbian ID will receive a temporary Kosovo document valid for ninety days. Serbian-issue license plates originally used in Serb-majority Kosovo municipalities must be replaced with Kosovar plates. The friction traces back to September 2021, when Kosovo mandated temporary plates for drivers entering from Serbia for sixty days.
NATO’s role
NATO’s Kosovo Force, known as KFOR, is a multinational mission that entered Kosovo on 12 June 1999, soon after the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1244. Its mandate includes maintaining order, supporting the UN mission in Kosovo, and ensuring security for communities under the peace framework. In recent days, KFOR signaled readiness to intervene if stability in the north was at risk amid the escalating clashes. The alliance emphasized its commitment to a safe environment in line with the UN mandate, speaking through official channels as tensions rose.
Spanish position
Spain’s leadership discussed the situation with Serbia, reaffirming support for a political process that respects international law and the sovereignty of states. The Spanish government affirmed its backing of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina while maintaining its own historical stance in the conflict. In parallel, the European Union continues to mediate, tying broader regional normalization and potential membership prospects to progress in Belgrade–Pristina talks.
Postponement of measures
Following the clashes, Kosovo’s government opted to pause the full enforcement of the new rules for one month, delaying the ban on Serbian documents and plates until 1 September. The decision came after late-night talks with the US ambassador to Kosovo. Authorities also asked protesters who had erected barricades to withdraw, prioritizing a calm path forward as regional leaders seek to de‑escalate tensions. President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia stated that efforts are underway to restore calm and stability in the affected areas.