The Faculty of Technical Sciences (FTS) in North Mitrovica, which operates within Serbia’s education system as part of the University of Pristina with temporary headquarters in North Mitrovica, has been given a 30-day deadline to either vacate its premises or sign a legal agreement with the University of Pristina, rector Nebojša Arsić confirmed on Tuesday.
According to Arsić, representatives of the Kosovo-based University of Pristina delivered a written notice to the Serbian-run rectorate earlier in the day, demanding what the letter describes as the “voluntary release of an usurped property” or the initiation of a bilateral legal arrangement for the use of the building housing the Faculty of Technical Sciences.
The letter, signed by Professor Arben Hajrullahu, Rector of the University of Pristina, was addressed to what it referred to as the “current illegal user of a plot owned by the University of Pristina of the Republic of Kosovo” and cited the cadastral service of the municipality of North Mitrovica.
“A direct attack on the Faculty”
Reacting to the move, Rector Arsić described the letter as a “direct attack” on the Faculty of Technical Sciences and criticized both its tone and delivery.
“The content and the manner are unprecedented. A rector addresses another rector without even naming the institution, without basic academic courtesy — no ‘dear colleague,’ no explanation. Instead, it is addressed to an ‘illegal occupier,’” Arsić told KoSSev.
He added that the letter was delivered without prior notice and that the representatives who brought it did not formally identify themselves, leaving it with faculty staff while he was not present. KoSSev has learned unofficially that the visitors were representatives of the Pristina rectorate.
Although the letter was written in what Arsić described as “perfect Serbian,” he said he accepted it only so it could be shared with domestic authorities and the international community.
“Otherwise, I would have refused it outright. If my institution is not named, I am under no obligation to receive such a document,” he said, calling the approach “uncivilized and unacademic.”
Dispute over land ownership
At the heart of the dispute is the ownership of the land and building used by the Faculty of Technical Sciences. According to Arsić, the University of Pristina claims the facility stands on its property — a claim he firmly rejects.
“That is simply not true. I was once the dean of this faculty and know this in detail. The building and the yard are located on two parcels owned by Trepča,” he said.
He further stated that the parcel numbers cited in the letter do not correspond to the location of the faculty building.
“We immediately checked the cadastral records. The parcel they are referring to — number 2546-2 — does not match the location of our building. In fact, we could not find such a parcel in the cadastre at all,” Arsić said.
International community informed
Arsić confirmed that Serbian authorities, including Prime Minister Đuro Macut, have been informed of the developments, as well as international actors based in Pristina. These include the OSCE, which has already requested a copy of the letter, UNMIK, the European Union, and members of the Quint group.
“For now, we are waiting for instructions,” Arsić said, adding that he does not intend to formally respond to the letter.
“It is not addressed institutionally but to an anonymous ‘illegal user.’ We are powerless as an institution — we are not part of Kosovo’s system and have no legal capacity to defend ourselves before Kosovo courts,” he said, expressing hope that the international community would intervene.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Arsić said that only the OSCE had requested access to the letter.
KoSSev has requested comments from the University of Pristina, the European Union, the U.S. Embassy, and relevant international organizations.
Broader context
The status of the University of Pristina with temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica has come under renewed scrutiny over the past year. Kosovo authorities, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s caretaker government, have repeatedly stated that the integration of education and healthcare institutions in Serb-majority areas into Kosovo’s system is inevitable.
These statements have been accompanied by actions to take over facilities previously used by Serbian state institutions. While Belgrade has objected, reactions from Serbian officials have been notably more restrained than the determination shown by Kosovo authorities.
Western officials, including representatives of the United States, have at times opposed unilateral actions, while also maintaining that integration of education and healthcare into Kosovo’s system should occur — but only with the consent and cooperation of the local Serb population.
Additional pressure on students and staff
The situation has been further complicated by the announced enforcement of Kosovo’s Law on Foreigners and vehicle regulations. Once fully implemented, these laws could significantly affect the legal status and residency of students and academic staff who are not registered within Kosovo’s system.
In recent days, students at several faculties in North Mitrovica have reportedly been asked whether they possess Kosovo-issued documents.
“These data are being collected to demonstrate the harmful effects of the planned application of the Law on Foreigners,” students told KoSSev.
Meanwhile, rumors circulating in parts of Serbia and Serb-majority areas of Kosovo about a possible relocation of the university have been denied by Serbian authorities.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
