In a coordinated operation across multiple municipalities, Kosovo authorities have sealed off facilities operated by Serbian-run institutions in both Strpce and Leposavic, citing the illegal operation of what they describe as „parallel structures“ under Serbian jurisdiction.
The first action took place this morning in Strpce, where the premises of the Serbian-operated „Novo Javno Komunalno Preduzeće“ (New Public Utility Company) were sealed off.
The company, responsible for water supply and waste management, was operating within the system of the Republic of Serbia.
Kosovo Police confirmed their involvement in the operation, stating it was carried out at the request of the Ministry of Economy and Environment.
“This was a company operating under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Serbia,” the Kosovo Police said, adding that the facility has now been shut down.
Artane Rizvanolli, Acting Minister of Environment, confirmed the closure, emphasizing that no parallel Serbian institutions will be allowed to function within Kosovo’s territory.
“Following a request from the Unit for Oversight of Public Enterprises to the Kosovo Police, the parallel Serbian company for water and waste management has been closed,” she announced.
Rizvanolli also urged the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the damages and gains stemming from the company’s operations, which she described as illegal.
Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla welcomed the move, sharing Rizvanolli’s statement and reiterating the government’s stance against parallel institutions.
Parallel Operation in Leposavić
Simultaneously, Kosovo Police entered a government building in central Leposavic, where four Serbian institutions had been operating: the Republic Health Insurance Fund, the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund, Kopaonik Road Maintenance Company, and the National Employment Service.
According to Deputy Regional Police Commander Veton Elshani, the intervention was conducted at the request of the municipality, which sought to reclaim possession of the building.
On the first floor, the Serbian Social Work Center had been functioning, while the second and third floors housed the other institutions.
“All employees left the premises, except those from the Health Insurance Fund,” Elshani told reporters, adding that they were given a seven-day deadline to vacate due to the large amount of documentation they need to relocate.
He also noted that some of the offices lacked any signage.
The developments come amid high political tensions in Pristina, where the fifth session of the Kosovo Assembly is convening under a cloud of political maneuvering between the ruling Vetëvendosje movement and the opposition.
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