Kosovo shuts Serbian-run offices in north

Dec 26, 2024 - Kosovo has closed two Serbian-run public offices in the northern region, a move that has drawn strong criticism from Belgrade. The closures are part of Kosovo’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty in the area.

The offices—the Office for Housing and Business and the Office for Construction Land—had been operating in North Mitrovica, a town with a large Serb population. Kosovo's Interior Minister, Xhelal Sveçla, said the offices were collecting payments from businesses and citizens without legal authority, claiming control over properties under Serbia’s flag.

"The abuse, carried out under the flags and emblems of Serbia, has been shut down and will be fully investigated," Sveçla wrote on Facebook.

Belgrade condemned the closures, accusing Kosovo of "usurping" Serbian institutions. Serbia claims around 70 employees were removed from the offices and told they no longer had a legitimate role. Serbia’s Office for Kosovo has urged international diplomats in Kosovo to intervene and stop Prime Minister Albin Kurti from taking further steps that could lead to more conflict.

This move is the latest in a series of actions by Kosovo to dismantle parallel Serbian-run structures in the north, including Serbia’s postal service, banks, and local government offices.

Western diplomats have expressed concern, urging that the long-standing issues between Kosovo and Serbia should be resolved through ongoing EU-mediated talks. They warn that unilateral actions could escalate tensions in an already fragile situation.

Despite the closures, Serbia has tried to maintain its influence by reopening some offices near the Kosovo border, further complicating the situation.