Fields of work

How can religious institutions facilitate reconciliation efforts within Kosovo and normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia?

Kosovo and Serbia have gone through different periods of conflict that have
deeply affected the relations between the two peoples. Reconciliation and
normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia continues to remain a
complex and multidimensional challenge for many decades, which requires
the intervention of various local and international actors. In this context,
the role of religious institutions is often neglected, even though they can
provide an important contribution to reconciliation processes and help in
building bridges that lead to peace and normalization of relations. In a
region such as the Balkans, where ethnic tensions and divisions still exist,
religious institutions can play a key role in easing tensions and promoting
dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding between different groups.
The research question addressed by this political document is: How can
religious institutions facilitate reconciliation efforts within Kosovo and the
normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia?

This policy document deals with the role of religious institutions for
reconciliation within Kosovo and the normalization of relations between
Kosovo and Serbia. Religious institutions in Kosovo and Serbia are deeply
involved in the daily life and cultural identity of the two respective
communities. As such, they have the opportunity, and, in some cases, the
moral obligation to contribute to efforts to help repair deteriorating
relationships. This role can be manifested in various ways such as providing
spaces for interfaith dialogue, promoting messages of peace and tolerance,
and engaging communities in activities that help build trust and
cooperation.

Addressing the Urgent Challenge of Youth Migration in Kosovo

Youth migration has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing Kosovo today, with far-reaching implications for the country’s economic development, social
stability, and political future. As young Kosovars increasingly seek better opportunities abroad, the nation faces a potential crisis of human capital loss, often
referred to as “brain drain.” This phenomenon threatens to undermine Kosovo’s long term prospects by depleting its most dynamic and innovative demographic group—its youth. The exodus of young people is driven by a complex interplay of economic, political, social, and educational factors, each of which plays a significant role in
shaping the decisions of Kosovo’s young population to migrate.

The central argument of this paper is that addressing youth migration is not only critical for Kosovo’s immediate stability but also for its future as a thriving, self sustaining nation. The migration of young people is symptomatic of deeper structural issues within the country, including high unemployment, political instability, inadequate social services, and an education system that fails to meet the aspirations of the youth. These challenges are compounded by the slow progress of Kosovo’s European integration process, which further diminishes the optimism of young
Kosovars about their future prospects within the country

Art Festivals: A Bridge Between Kosovo and Serbia

In the middle of the Balkans, where the shadows of past conflicts still
linger, the power of art emerges as a hope for reconciliation. Art festivals
between Kosovo and Serbia have become vital platforms for fostering
dialogue, understanding, and artist exchange. Those festivals bring
together participants from both Kosovo and Serbia as a form of
collaboration between divided entities. Although those festivals’ main
purpose is art it can also be used as a platform for building bridges between
communities with a history of conflict.

Art festivals such as the “Mirëdita, Dobar Dan! Festival”, “Dokufest”,
“Artpolis” and others have emerged as significant cultural events that
encourage cross-border interaction and collaboration. Those festivals not
only showcase a diverse layer of artistic expressions, but these festivals
also provide a space for dialogue, mutual respect, and shared experiences.
They play a crucial role in breaking down stereotypes and promoting
cultural diplomacy.

Despite their potential, these art festivals face numerous challenges,
including political tensions, logistical barriers, and funding constraints.

Educational Initiatives as a Means of Promoting Inter-Ethnic Relations and Reconciliation between Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs youth in the North of Kosovo

Kosovo The policy paper aims to address the ongoing challenges in interethnic relations between Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs youth. It proposes a focused approach to reconciliation and coexistence, emphasizing educational strategies and reforms as a means of promoting healthy inter-ethnic relations between the two communities living in the North of Kosovo. The goal is to foster a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society in Kosovo, where both ethnic groups can coexist with mutual
respect and cooperation. While the roads that can lead to this path are vast, the educational angle is often overseen; thus, contributing to lack of progress. However, being that education is key to a well-functioning society, thinking about educational reforms that can foster peaceful coexistence is paramount. Implementing specific strategies and norms within the scope of education, such as joint extracurricular activities and integrated curricula, will allow students from both ethnic groups to
exchange ideas, learn about their differences, and embrace harmony.

The Dinar Dilemma

The recent ban on the use of the Serbian dinar in Kosovo has created new tensions
within the country, highlighting the complex socio-political dynamics in the region.
This measure, announced by the Kosovo government, has met with resistance from
the local Serbian community, therefore creating ongoing ethnic and political
challenges.

According to the Kosovo Government, the ban on the Serbian dinar, was introduced
as an effort to reinforce its sovereignty and reduce the influence of Serbian
financial systems within its borders and as a broader strategy to integrate the Serb
minority into Kosovo’s legal and economic frameworks. However, this move has also
been seen as a provocative move that threatens the fragile peace between the two
communities.

The use of the Serbian dinar in Kosovo, particularly in Serb-majority areas, has
been prevalent due to historical ties and economic convenience. As Al Jazeera
reported, Kosovo’s partial acceptance of a US proposal regarding the dinar
highlights the international community’s involvement in mediating this issue (Al
Jazeera, 2023). The transition away from the dinar is expected to impact local
economies, especially in northern Kosovo where the Serb population is
concentrated.

ELECTION FEVER

New Social Initiative (NSI) held a discussion on May 29th, 2024, which brought together Kosovo Albanian and Serb CSO activists and analysts, in Brezovica. The main focus of the discussion was on the elections that will be held in US, EU and Kosovo, and this will affect the Balkans. The discussion provided a platform for all participants to express their viewpoints and opinions on the matter.

⁨Aleksandar Šljuka⁩ summarized the conclusions that arose from the discussion. The publication is available only in English.

Conference Brief – Kosovo Peace and Democracy Summit (KPDS)

After the success of the first and second edition of the Kosovo Peace and
Democracy Summit (KPDS) held in Pristina in 2022 and 2023, we are proud to
announce that the third edition of KPDS will take place between 25th and 26th of
September 2024 at Hotel Emerald in Pristina.

KPDS is the only recurring international event focusing on regional democracy and
stability in Kosovo. It expresses the organizer’s readiness to contribute to social
and political processes shaping Kosovo’s and the region’s future.

KOSOVO-SERBIA – A DIFFERENT APPROACH

This project seeks to thoroughly analyze the viewpoints and sentiments of the Serbian
community in Kosovo using quantitative research methods. The main goal is to gather and
assess their perspectives on a range of issues that are important to them and relevant to the
institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. Through this research, we aim to provide empirical
data that can help improve internal dialogues between central institutions and communities
in Kosovo.