Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti hosted a delegation from North Mitrovica at the government building today. The meeting, held on the „Open Balcony“ of the government building in Pristina, included Minister of Local Government Elbert Krasniqi, Minister for Communities and Return Nenad Rasić, Mayor of North Mitrovica Erden Atic, Deputy Mayor Katarina Adjancic, and various municipal department directors.
Discussions and Developments
The working lunch focused on municipal management, achievements, and ongoing challenges. Key topics included the operational aspects of municipal departments, maintenance investments in public infrastructure, and collaboration with central agencies. The officials discussed advancements in building legalization, the creation of a planning scheme, and the establishment of a database for social cases requiring institutional support.
The municipal directors highlighted several achievements, such as the registration of 89 business entities, improvements in the municipal registration system, and the initiation of archive digitization. They also outlined plans to introduce digital services through e-kiosks for the first time.
Kurti commended the North Mitrovica officials for their work in enhancing services and maintaining a multi-ethnic governance structure. He expressed full support from relevant ministries for the economic and social development of North Mitrovica and pledged to assist Mayor Atic and Deputy Mayor Adjancic in addressing their proposals and requests.
Crisis for Serbs in the North
In contrast, Srpska Lista held a press conference highlighting the severe crisis facing Serbs in Kosovo. They attributed the worsening conditions to the actions of Kosovo authorities and Kurti, while placing the blame on the international community for failing to intervene effectively. The party also urged Belgrade to become more actively involved in the dialogue process.
The closure of Serbian services in northern Kosovo, which had been operational until now, continues. Since the beginning of the year, several significant changes have been implemented: the Serbian dinar has been abolished, remaining Serbian financial institutions and the Serbian Post have been closed, vehicle registration has been converted from KM to RKS, and Serbian driver’s licenses have been invalidated in favor of Kosovo ones.
On Friday, Kosovo police conducted a new wave of closures, shutting down four more facilities, including the Provisional Municipal Authority of Kosovska Mitrovica, the Pension Fund, and the Office for Kosovo and Metohija. As a result, all provisional municipal authorities in the North are now closed. Previously, a ban on importing Serbian goods was enforced.
International Reactions
The closure of Serbian institutions and the broader crackdown in northern Kosovo have drawn condemnation from top international officials. Recent visits to Pristina by diplomats, the CIA director, and senior NATO officials underscored the international community’s concern over the situation. EU spokespersons have also voiced apprehension about the well-being of the Serbian community amid the ongoing tensions.
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