Tensions often increase between Serbia and Kosovo on their border. According to multiple sources including the BBC, tensions have increased after clashes between Serb gunmen and Kosovo police officers in northern Kosovo recently. Serbia later deployed tanks and artillery to its border with Kosovo. Tensions also increased involving Kosovo’s minority ethnic Serb and majority Albanian communities after the raid of Kosovo police in Serb dominated areas in May this year. But the repeatedly increased border tensions between the neighboring countries—which have been embroiled in major political and diplomatic disputes over several decades —involving the governments of Serbia and Kosovo, along with various ethnic and political groups from both sides, have raised concerns in the Balkan region.
It is notable that border tensions are driven by a variety of factors. One of the main causes is the disagreement over the status of Kosovo as an independent state. Serbia considers Kosovo, mainly ethnic Albanian populated territory that was formerly a province of Serbia, to be an integral part of its territory, while Kosovo declared independence in 2008, which Serbia does not recognize even though it does not have any formal control there but has been recognized by about 100 countries. This fundamental disagreement has led to disputes and occasional outbreaks of violence along the border and prevented full stabilization of the Balkan region after the bloody wars in the 1990s. Additionally, economic disparities, control over resources and issues related to minority rights further contribute to the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. Among others, the historical and cultural differences between the Serbian and Albanian populations in the region have fueled tensions and disputes.
There have definitely been peace mediation efforts to resolve border tensions and restore peace between the neighboring countries. Different countries and organizations including the United Nations, the European Union and the United States have played some promising roles in facilitating dialogues and mediating peace between the parties. Additionally, the two parties have been engaged in several bilateral negotiations and diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to their long-standing border disputes in the Western Balkans and Europe. Consequently, several agreements including the Brussels Agreement of 2013 — mediated by the European Union — which is rendered a significant milestone in the peace process between Serbia and Kosovo and aims to normalize relations between the parties and establish a framework for their future cooperation have been reached between the two neighboring countries.
The agreement has the potential to resolve Serbia-Kosovo border tensions. The agreement has already been marked as a significant step towards normalizing relations between the two parties and has addressed key disputes including the issues related to governance, security and the status of Serbian-majority areas in Kosovo. There have already been several positive developments of the agreement including increased stability and cooperation between the country and the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo. But the stated peace agreement did not fully address the issue of Kosovo’s status, leaving it as a crucial point of contention between Serbia and Kosovo. Additionally, there is a lack of enforcement mechanisms and ongoing challenges in implementing its provisions.
There are also other challenges to mitigating the border tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. The complex nature of conflicts, differing interpretations of international agreements, differing perspectives on self-determination and geopolitical issues complicate the resolution process and hinder progress in normalizing their relation. Among others, the lack of readiness for a compromise and the absence of trust between the two parties are other notable challenges to the peaceful resolution of disputes. It is consequently crucial to address challenges, along with resolving disputed issues related to border tensions, for peace between the neighboring countries — and in the Balkan region. For this, inclusive dialogues, identifying mutually acceptable solutions and implementing sustainable solutions may help address the concerns of both parties.
But fostering mutual understanding and trust-building measures are also crucial between the parties for mitigating tensions and reaching peace. Promoting economic development and promoting people-to-people exchanges can help build trust and alleviate tensions by providing a common ground for cooperation and shared prosperity of the parties. Compromises between the parties may also be helpful. Among others, further diplomatic negotiations by third parties are crucial for addressing the challenges and contentions between the parties and reaching a peaceful resolution.
