Proaktiv, an informal association of professors and associates at the University of Pristina with a temporary seat in North Mitrovica, has voiced serious concern over recent public statements suggesting possible plans to relocate the University from Kosovo to Novi Pazar, as well as over the deteriorating situation at the State University of Novi Pazar (DUNP).
In a statement, Proaktiv said that growing uncertainty has been fueled by the prolonged absence of clear, precise and transparent communication—both from the University’s leadership and from the relevant state authorities of the Republic of Serbia.
“Taking into account a series of public statements by journalists, activists and members of the academic community, as well as the long-standing lack of clear and transparent communication from the leadership of the University of Pristina with a temporary seat in Mitrovica and from relevant state institutions, Proaktiv expresses serious concern regarding the future of our University,” the statement reads.
Controversial public statements: “Are there documents we do not see?”
Proaktiv particularly points to statements that appeared in the public sphere late last year, which, they say, imply the existence of information unavailable to University employees and not contained in any official documents.
Among them, Proaktiv cites a public appearance by journalist Jelena Obućina, who stated that “within the Ohrid Agreement, there is a plan to move the University from Kosovska Mitrovica to Novi Pazar, and that Zana Dolićanin is implementing it.”
“Such a statement, based on a journalist’s personal analysis, as well as similar claims aired publicly, imply the existence of information that we do not possess and that is not available in any document known to us,” Proaktiv said.
They also criticized remarks made by activist, journalist and political actor Aida Ćorović, who said in an interview that there had been talk of the University of Pristina with a temporary seat in Mitrovica being incorporated into the Kosovo system, while professors at the State University of Novi Pazar would be dismissed and replaced by professors from the Pristina University.
In the same context, Proaktiv cited a statement by Professor Ivanka Popović, who said that if the closure of the State University of Novi Pazar were intended to facilitate the relocation of the University from Mitrovica into its facilities, “such a destructive undertaking could not benefit either the academic community or the citizens of Novi Pazar.”
“The key question is whether these claims are based on verifiable facts and official documents inaccessible to the public, or whether they are merely rumors and speculation that further destabilize an already extremely complex situation in Kosovo and Metohija,” Proaktiv emphasized.
Silence after meeting with the Prime Minister
Additional concern, according to Proaktiv, stems from the fact that following a recent meeting between the University’s leadership and Serbian Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Đuro Macut, employees and the wider University collective received no relevant information regarding these issues.
“This persistent lack of transparency and dialogue with employees represents a serious deviation from fundamental academic standards and justifiably generates concern and insecurity, as it points to the application of non-academic practices of issuing instructions and presenting faits accomplis,” the statement warned.
Solidarity with the State University of Novi Pazar
Proaktiv expressed full solidarity with students, professors and employees of the State University of Novi Pazar, who, they say, are facing intense pressure, institutional uncertainty and non-academic practices.
“We understand the concern of the academic community, activists, journalists and all free citizens regarding the endangerment of DUNP. Who could understand this better than us—the geographically closest University, with which we maintain good cooperation, and which finds itself in an extremely difficult situation due to injustice and nepotism?” the statement said, recalling that DUNP students were the first to join students from Mitrovica in paying tribute to the victims in Novi Sad.
They also expressed particular gratitude to colleagues from the University in Mitrovica who, “out of professional and human solidarity, refused to take over positions of DUNP colleagues who were unlawfully and illegitimately removed.”
At the same time, Proaktiv called on academics across Serbia to consider the ethical and professional consequences of actions that contribute to the erosion of the academic community and the dignity of the profession.
“Relocation of the University is unacceptable and harmful”
Proaktiv stressed unequivocally that any relocation of the University of Pristina with a temporary seat in North Mitrovica would be “unacceptable and harmful.”
“Not only to the academic community, but also to the survival of the Serbian and other communities in Kosovo and Metohija,” the statement said.
They emphasized that the University, together with schools and healthcare institutions, represents a cornerstone of survival, education and social stability in the region.
“Its relocation would have far-reaching negative consequences and would constitute a final act of abandoning the fundamental interests of the people who live and work here,” Proaktiv warned.
They called for the preservation of the full capacity of Serbia’s educational and healthcare system in Kosovo through responsible and diplomatic channels, as well as for maintaining the University within its current institutional, spatial and social framework.
Appeal to media and authorities
In closing, Proaktiv appealed to the media, civil society and the academic community to rely on verifiable facts, professional ethics and responsibility in public discourse.
A special call was directed to the University’s leadership, the competent ministry, representatives of the Government of Serbia and the President to address the public and employees in Kosovo “clearly, publicly and transparently,” and to publish all relevant information, agreements, documents and plans concerning the future of educational and healthcare institutions.
Reminder of key facts about the University
Citing widespread uncertainty—even among colleagues in central Serbia—Proaktiv also recalled key facts about the University of Pristina.
The University originated as an extension of the University of Belgrade and has functioned as an independent institution since 1970. Since 2001, due to the impossibility of operating in Pristina, it has been based in North Mitrovica.
Today, the University enrolls more than 8,000 students of various ethnicities and employs just under 800 teaching and non-teaching staff. It is part of Serbia’s education system and operates under Serbian curricula and accreditation.
According to Proaktiv, education and healthcare remain the only two institutions of the Republic of Serbia in Kosovo that have not been incorporated into the Kosovo system under the 2013 Brussels Agreement. Both the Brussels and Ohrid agreements foresee special ties with Serbia through the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, which has yet to be established.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
