On Friday, the Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić presented new measures regarding the situation in Kosovo. These measures, divided into five key chapters, reflect Serbia’s reaction to recent developments in northern Kosovo, particularly in response to actions taken by the Kosovar government.
One of the central proposals, referred to as a „return to the status quo ante,“ calls for a restoration of the situation as it was before Serbs left Kosovo’s institutions in November 2022. This would involve holding local elections in northern Kosovo, reinstating Serbs in the police and judiciary, releasing „political prisoners,“ and establishing the Association of Serb Municipalities (ASM).
However, as Dragiša Mijačić, director of the Institute for Territorial Economic Research (InTER), pointed out, this proposal lacks a sense of accountability.
“Vučić, in his presentation, did not express regret or condemnation for the wrong move made by Srpska Lista,“ Mijačić remarked, referring to the Serbian political party in Kosovo responsible for the withdrawal from institutions.
Skepticism Over the Feasibility of Measures
Among the five proposed chapters, Mijačić sees only one as potentially viable—the return of prosecutors and judges to the Kosovo system.
„Vučić is not naive enough to believe that the measures listed in point one—status quo ante—will be fulfilled,“ he said. „Of all the measures, the return of prosecutors and judges is possible, and this could happen soon, which would end the story regarding this point. However, it is unrealistic to expect the other measures to be fulfilled, including organizing elections, changes in the police, the ASM, or the release of detainees.“
While the return to previous institutional arrangements may resonate domestically, Mijačić believes these measures are primarily intended to ease internal tensions and exert pressure on the international community.
Special Prosecution: A Message to Kosovo’s Serbs
Another notable aspect of Vučić’s address was the announcement of a special prosecution body, tasked with handling cases in Kosovo. According to Mijačić, this measure sends a clear message to both Kosovo’s Albanians and Serbs.
“The idea is to create a legal basis for prosecuting individuals who are part of Kurti’s repressive apparatus,” Mijačić explained. „This is a message not just to Albanians in the police and government institutions, but especially to Serbs involved in Kosovo’s security and state structures.“
He emphasized that such a body could target Kosovo Serbs cooperating with Albanian mayors in the northern municipalities.
Financial Support for Kosovo’s Serbs: A “Hasty Measure”
Vučić also proposed designating Kosovo as an area of special social protection, entailing new employment opportunities and financial support for the Serb population.
Mijačić described this as a „hasty measure“ aimed at alleviating dissatisfaction among Kosovo’s Serbs, particularly in the north.
However, he argued there are better long-term solutions.
„It would be better for the Serbian government to introduce a social program for Kosovo and Metohija in 2025, with clearly defined goals,“ he suggested. “Spending money on public sector salaries is an expensive waste of resources. A better solution would be to provide payments based on individual needs and invest in economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.”
Rejection of Occupation Proposal – A Wise Move
Mijačić, however, agreed with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on two key points from his recent address. Vučić acknowledged that there is no satisfactory solution to the Kosovo-Metohija issue for Serbs, and no agreement can fully meet their expectations.
Additionally, Vučić emphasized the importance of recognizing the tragic loss of many Albanian lives, stressing the need to remain objective and decent when addressing such issues.
He also praised Vučić’s decision not to declare an occupation of Kosovo, calling it a „wise move.“ He believes the rejection of the occupation proposal, which surfaced in media outlets close to Vučić, was a strategic maneuver.
„I believe it was a message aimed at certain right-wing circles, particularly among Serbs in Kosovo who have long demanded the declaration of an occupation,“ Mijačić explained.
Kosovo As a Political and Communication Issue
Mijačić also commented on the communication strategy behind Vučić’s announcements, suggesting that some of the proposed measures were not intended for the domestic audience. He pointed out that the measures were first disclosed by Serbia’s ambassador to Montenegro, during a meeting with Montenegrin Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić.
“This indicates that the message was primarily intended for diplomatic circles rather than the domestic audience,” Mijačić noted, adding that Vučić often treats Kosovo as both a political and communication issue.
Vučić’s proposals, which some view as contradictory, seem aimed at balancing various domestic and international expectations.
„In his speeches, Vučić swings between extremes, trying to ensure that everyone hears what they want to hear,” Mijačić concluded. “But he is not foolish enough to dismantle himself over the Kosovo knot, nor can he solve the Kosovo issue on his own.”
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