The unseen struggles of Kosovo’s youth

Kosovo stands at a critical moment in its pursuit of an integrated, multiethnic society. This path is full of challenges deeply rooted in its complex history. Kosovo’s youth play an important role in this process, burdened with reconciling inherited ethnic divisions among societal complexities. Their efforts to foster understanding across ethnic lines confront substantial, often overlooked barriers that are pivotal to Kosovo’s future.

In the divided city of Mitrovica, one can see clear divisions between ethnic groups and the scars of past conflicts are still very raw. Growing up in a society still marked by deep-seated hostilities, young people are navigating a landscape shaped by old grievances and ongoing mistrust. This internal struggle to reconcile personal identity with societal divisions is combined with external pressures that hold back their efforts to bridge continuing divides. For many, these past wounds remain too fresh and deep to confront.

Challenges are numerous as Kosovo’s youth work to promote societal cohesion. They encounter resistance and doubt from their communities, struggle with navigating the digital world, face communication barriers, engage with complex political environments, and confront a rise of nationalism. Each of these obstacles requires careful navigation and strong resilience.

Facing resistance and scepticism
Young activists from different communities living in Kosovo face significant challenges in their efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and trust-building. Despite their dedication to fostering cooperation among all communities in Kosovo, they face deeply rooted interests that oppose change. This resistance undermines their efforts, highlighting the difficult task of reshaping societal attitudes towards cooperation and reconciliation.
In their pursuit of dialogue, activists confront not only historical grievances but also modern scepticism that obstructs efforts to bridge ethnic divides. Their initiatives, aimed at promoting mutual understanding and collaboration, often face barriers rooted in fear, mistrust, and political polarisation. The firmly established status quo, reinforced by narratives of division and suspicion, presents significant obstacles to their vision of a more integrated Kosovo, particularly affecting those working in cities like Mitrovica—a divided city at the heart of tensions and political sensitivity.

Social media: a tool and a threat
Social media platforms provide a powerful tool for Kosovo’s youth to express diverse perspectives and mobilise collective action. However, these platforms also present challenges. They can easily worsen ethnic tensions by spreading misinformation and reinforcing divisive narratives. For instance, inflammatory content and biased reporting often circulate unchecked, influencing public perception and deepening inter-ethnic mistrust.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Platform X, are wielded as powerful tools during times of tension. These platforms are frequently used to spread propaganda and launch online attacks by anonymous profiles to those involved in promoting multiethnic environments or engaging in cross-community work. Inflammatory content and misinformation usually escalates quickly, deepening inter-ethnic mistrust and jeopardising efforts toward unity and trust-building.

Interethnic communication
Separate education systems, different languages, and a lack of joint events limit their interactions and opportunities to get to know one another. This environment fosters stereotypes and prejudices, creating space for further division among the ethnic groups living in Kosovo.
The situation is particularly difficult for young people, who struggle to engage in meaningful conversations and collaborate effectively. Historical traumas, such as losing family members, witnessing crimes, and being displaced, have left deep scars. For many, these past wounds remain raw, affecting their readiness to pursue reconciliation.
Moreover, unresolved processes and ongoing dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade impact Kosovo’s societal progress. These issues often overshadow efforts to improve communication, making it challenging for individuals to take steps forward.
In this complex landscape, civil society organisations (CSOs) play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation. They provide platforms where young activists can come together, share their experiences, and foster mutual understanding despite these ongoing tensions. By acknowledging the validity of the historical traumas and recognising the challenges in addressing them, CSOs help create spaces where youth can navigate sensitive issues with empathy and respect.

Political engagement
Corruption, patronage, and a lack of transparency within political institutions undermine youth trust and dampen their enthusiasm for political engagement. This disillusionment with established political structures complicates efforts to channel youthful energy into meaningful political change.
Empowering Kosovo’s youth politically necessitates structural reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within political processes. Without meaningful reforms, the disappointment and apathy among young Kosovars towards politics may continue, delaying progress towards a more democratic and inclusive society.

Rise of nationalism
In recent years, there has been a worrying rise in nationalism among Kosovo’s youth, driven by political tensions and societal divisions. Increased nationalist rhetoric, often worsened by external influences and the past, threatens to undo the progress made toward multiethnic cooperation. This resurgence creates a significant challenge for efforts aimed at promoting tolerance, dialogue, and mutual understanding among Kosovo’s diverse communities.
Addressing this rise in nationalism requires a deeper understanding of its root causes and proactive measures to counter divisive narratives. It is crucial to engage Kosovo’s youth in constructive dialogues that emphasise the complexities of past conflicts and the importance of unity in safeguarding Kosovo’s future stability and prosperity.

In conclusion, Kosovo’s youth engaged in promoting multiethnic integration navigate a complex landscape fraught with historical burdens and contemporary challenges. Their efforts, often overshadowed by louder political narratives, are instrumental in shaping Kosovo’s future.

This Op-ed is published as part of the project “Strengthening Youth Civic Participation in Political Processes” implemented by New Social Initiative (NSI) funded by National Endowment for Democracy (NED).