Kosovo PM blames Serbia for rising tensions in the north

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has accused Serbia of orchestrating unrest in the north, calling for EU sanctions and increased pressure to prevent further violence.

Jan 7, 2025 - Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has accused Serbia of organizing attacks in northern Kosovo. He warned that security remains tight after a recent assault on the Ibar-Lepenc canal in Zubin Potok.

Kurti said Kosovo’s security forces are staying alert and that easing extra precautions is not an option. He claimed Serbia is behind the unrest.

“Our intelligence is closely watching for any signs of new attacks. These actions do not start in Kosovo. They are planned and led from Serbia,” he said.

Kurti believes Serbia’s frustration is growing as Kosovo strengthens control over its northern regions, which are home to many ethnic Serbs.

Calls for EU involvement

Kurti also urged the European Union to act in stalled talks between Kosovo and Serbia. He called on Kaja Kallas, the EU’s new foreign policy chief, to make sure the basic agreement between the two countries is fully implemented.

“Mutual recognition must be the priority,” Kurti said. “The Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities cannot take center stage while the principle of recognition is ignored.”

The Association would give some autonomy to Serb-majority areas, but many in Kosovo worry it could weaken the country’s sovereignty.

Sanctions on Serbia

Kurti called for Western sanctions against Serbia and the extradition of Milan Radoičić, who admitted organizing a deadly attack in Banjska last month.

“In the past, Serbia was pressured with threats of visa restrictions and the withdrawal of German investors,” Kurti said. “If Serbia is sanctioned, I believe Radoičić will be extradited. But Kosovo cannot do this alone—it needs support from the West.”

Election hopes

As elections approach, Kurti said his party, Vetëvendosje, aims to win 500,000 votes and form a government without coalitions. He dismissed opposition parties as unsuitable partners.

Kurti said his government has achieved successes in many areas and deserves the public’s trust for another term in office.

Background

Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but Serbia has never recognized it. Tensions remain high, especially in northern Kosovo, where ethnic divisions often lead to unrest. Kurti has called for strong Western action to stop Serbia’s influence in the region.