NATO has stepped up its presence on the streets of several towns in northern Kosovo. The move comes amid renewed tensions between the Serbian community, which remains the region’s largest group, and Kosovo Albanian authorities. This morning, the KFOR mission confirmed an increased footprint in four northern municipalities because of the latest developments in the region.
The international force, which has operated in the area since 1999, said it would take all necessary measures to maintain security. Yet, the current deployment has not prevented clashes from occurring in the north on Monday. Reports from multiple international organizations describe protests where Serbian protesters clashed with Kosovo police, who are largely Albanian, and tear gas was used to disperse crowds.
The immediate spark for this latest chapter appears to be a confrontation over access to official buildings in the north by Albanian mayors. Those mayors were elected in recent local elections but faced strong opposition from Serbian community leaders, who argued that the vote did not reflect a legitimate deal on their status in Kosovo. The broader backdrop features Serbia’s ongoing refusal to recognize Kosovo’s independence and wider questions about the integration of Serbs within Kosovo.
Concern in EU and USA
There is growing concern in the European Union and the United States about how events could unfold. In recent hours, top ally nations stressed that any move risking greater instability in the region should be avoided.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the group urged Kosovo and Serbia to concentrate on the peace plan the EU has proposed in recent months. They warned against unilateral actions that could have negative effects on leading powers and organizations such as the G7, NATO, and the EU.
Coordination
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has defended the stance that Albanian mayors have the right to take office and to govern in areas where they were democratically elected. He stressed that this authority should be exercised without threats or intimidation. In a parallel voice, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani urged authorities to coordinate closely with allied partners to find constructive solutions.
The demonstrations led to classes being suspended in several places. The most affected areas include four northern towns: Zvecan, Zubin Potok, northern Mitrovica, and Leposavic. Local media reported nationalist songs heard in some parts of the city, and the protests received backing from Lista Srpska, a Serbian-backed group that has generated mixed reactions within Kosovo’s Serb community.