UN Security Council debate on Kosovo: Were the messages expected and what is the role of UNMIK?

Following the presentation of the UNMIK report at the United Nations Security Council session, speeches were delivered by the representatives of Serbia and Kosovo, Marko Djuric and Donika Gervalla, as well as by the ambassadors of major powers. According to Kosovo Online’s interlocutor Nikola Vujinovic, these statements were expected and aligned with the official positions of the respective countries, while Kosovo-based analyst Alma Lamaj believes that such sessions in New York are unnecessary, as they do not contribute to a positive outcome in Kosovo–Serbia relations.

Written by: Milena Miladinovic

Speaking about developments in Kosovo over the past six months, Deputy Head of UNMIK, Milbert Dongjon Shin, expressed concern over the closure of Serbian institutions, especially those providing healthcare, education, and cultural services.

“It is important that the authorities in Pristina genuinely engage all interested communities before implementing decisions that affect daily life, and that they seek sustainable alternatives to avoid or mitigate negative consequences,” Shin emphasized.

Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric, who led the Serbian delegation at the session, stated that the fundamental rights of Serbs in Kosovo are not only being ignored but are being systematically destroyed—piece by piece.

On the other hand, Kosovo’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gervalla, used the opportunity to accuse Serbia of posing a threat to the region and preparing military aggression.

She stated that UNMIK should be closed, since “its existence represents nothing but an unnecessary waste of UN money and serves no purpose.”

The U.S. Ambassador to the UN agreed with this assessment, emphasizing that “there is no crisis in Kosovo.”

A discussion also followed about the use of the term “Metohija.” Responding to Gervalla’s claim that “there is no such thing as Kosovo and Metohija” and that this is “a reflection of Serbia’s hegemonic ambitions and the rhetoric of Slobodan Milosevic,” Djuric countered that the term most certainly exists and originally refers to monastic landholdings. He noted that it can be found in medieval historical records and cannot be attributed to Milosevic or any politician.

Expected messages

While the statements from major powers were largely expected, according to analysts, the French ambassador’s speech stood out, as she emphasized the necessity of forming the Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM) and resolving the issue of Serbian institutions through that mechanism.

Security studies researcher Nikola Vujinovic said that the French ambassador’s remarks were largely rhetorical, aimed at distinguishing France from others.

“France is currently in major internal political turmoil; we might even see Macron step down, which could lead to early presidential elections. This could potentially bring to power political forces more sympathetic to Serbia and its territorial integrity. But for now, I think the ambassador’s words were just diplomatic phrasing to appear distinct. I am convinced that the Kosovo side will never allow the CSM to be established with any real substance. Even if they do decide to form it, they will try to turn it into an empty shell. But since I doubt they will ever do it, I see the French ambassador’s statement merely as a contribution to the debate,” said Vujinovic.

He added that countries supporting Kosovo’s independence continued to do so during the session, while those supporting Serbia emphasized the flaws of that independence.

“If we look at previous sessions, it’s always the same. Those advocating Kosovo’s independence continue to support it, offering suggestions on how Kosovo might strengthen the rule of law—such as forming the CSM, as the French ambassador mentioned.

On the other hand, from the U.S. we heard what was expected—that UNMIK should be terminated. This aligns with the Trump administration’s approach of reducing UN influence and making it, as they say, ‘more efficient.’

Meanwhile, China, Russia, and other countries supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity highlighted violence against the Serbian community and all the flaws of Kosovo’s so-called independence,” said Vujinovic.

Commenting on the speeches of Djuric and Gervalla, he emphasized their stark contrast: Gervalla portrayed Kosovo as a democracy respecting the rule of law, while Djuric outlined the major problems facing Kosovo’s Serbs.

“The statements of both delegations were the same in tone but opposite in content—black and white.

According to Kosovo’s diplomacy, everything in Kosovo is perfect: rule of law prevails, and it’s a liberal democracy in the Western Balkans.

Meanwhile, Serbia’s representatives are depicted as aggressors, as ‘little Russians’ in the Balkans.

Minister Djuric, however, very precisely pointed out the key problems troubling the Serbian community—from attacks on youth and women to the destruction of hundreds of institutions essential to their everyday life,” Vujinovic concluded.

UNMIK has completed its mission

Pristina-based analyst Alma Lama argued that UN sessions on Kosovo are unnecessary, asserting that UNMIK has completed its mission and that further involvement is needless given that “peace prevails in Kosovo.”

“UN meetings on Kosovo and related reports are unnecessary. This should be the stance not only of Kosovo but also of the UN, because, as was said yesterday, there is no crisis in Kosovo. UNMIK’s job was completed once Kosovo declared independence. Therefore, there is no point in holding such meetings or spending money on UNMIK when many other countries are facing deep and serious crises,” Lama told Kosovo Online.

According to her, Kosovo is peaceful and UNMIK’s mission is over.

“Even political debates in this format are unnecessary, since they do not produce any positive results in Kosovo–Serbia relations.

The UN Security Council members already have embassies in both Kosovo and Serbia, so they are well informed about relations and dialogue between the two. For all these reasons, I once again stress that UN debates on Kosovo are pointless—especially when the Security Council should be discussing and making decisions about the wars in Ukraine and Gaza,” Lama concluded.