Prishtina is set on controlling northern Kosovo

Significance

In early September, Kosovo authorities levelled terrorism charges against 45 individuals allegedly involved in the attack. Since the attack, Prishtina has doubled down on efforts to eliminate Belgrade’s influence in northern Kosovo, closing down almost all Belgrade-funded institutions, relied on by local Serbs for employment and social benefit payments.

Impacts

• Serbs will likely remain outside of Kosovo government institutions for now.
• The incoming EU foreign policy chief may move to abolish the restrictive measures against Kosovo, imposed in June 2023.
• Facing domestic pressure, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic may resort to aggressive posturing against Kosovo to divert public attention.