Gogic: Kosovo assumed the obligation to recognize the documents of non-integrated Serbian institutions back in 2015

Political scientist Ognjen Gogic tells Kosovo Online that the decision by Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs to allow citizens with civil registry extracts issued by the Serbian system to apply for registration in Kosovo’s Central Civil Status Register represents a turning point, as Pristina has so far refused to recognize documents issued by the Serbian system.

According to Gogic, registration in the Central Register will enable the realization of rights within the Kosovo system that derive from the recognized status, such as paternity, kinship, and marital relationships.

“Kosovo undertook an obligation during the 2015-2016 dialogue to find a way to recognize and incorporate documents issued by Serbian authorities, which they call parallel or non-integrated institutions, into its legal framework. However, this was never implemented. Kosovo institutions were never provided with instructions on how to validate documents issued by Serbian administrative bodies and courts. This decision represents a step forward and a turning point, as it recognizes documents issued by Serbian administrative authorities and allows their acknowledgment within Kosovo’s civil registry offices,” Gogic explained.

He adds that this is just one aspect of the broader issue of document recognition, but that it is a significant step, especially because previous agreements on document recognition were limited to those issued before 2016.

“Now, the validity of all documents issued by Serbian institutions from 1999 until the enactment of this decision is being acknowledged, which is crucial for citizens. There have been anecdotal examples of issues, such as the non-recognition of marriages. When a marriage is registered within the Serbian system, the spouses are not recognized as such under Kosovo law or by Kosovo institutions. This also applies to recognizing birth certificates concerning children, which has created problems in citizens’ daily lives. This decision will allow them to exercise their rights within the Kosovo system based on their recognized status,” Gogic emphasized.