Hargraves: Actions in the North Undermine Kosovo’s Claims of Inclusivity

The recent actions carried out in northern Kosovo have disrupted the daily lives of the Kosovo Serb community and undermine Kosovo’s claims that all citizens—regardless of ethnicity—are welcome, British Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves stated in an op-ed, as reported by Radio Kosovo and Metohija. He warned that Kosovo must be politically prepared to protect non-majority communities if it aspires to membership in international organizations.

In his article, Ambassador Hargreaves reaffirmed the UK’s support for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, but emphasized that Kosovo’s “impressive legal framework” must be matched by a genuine commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities.

“Actions in northern Kosovo in recent weeks have deprived ordinary children and adults in the Kosovo Serb community of peaceful access to everyday services, such as sports clubs. These actions undermine Kosovo’s assertion that everyone who lives here—regardless of ethnicity, gender, or background—is welcome and free to be represented, protected, and empowered in the Republic of Kosovo,” Hargreaves cautioned.

He stressed that political unity and leadership are essential for Kosovo’s progress on the European and Euro-Atlantic path, particularly in the context of normalizing relations with Serbia.

“Kosovo must be ready to take the initiative and advance its own interests. We in the UK want to see Kosovo in the Council of Europe,” Hargreaves wrote.

He added that the UK, in cooperation with the EU, will continue to support concrete progress in the region, noting that Kosovo has a vital role to play—but only if it is politically ready to make difficult decisions and ensure inclusivity for all citizens.

The ambassador also reminded that the UK will host the Berlin Process Summit in London this autumn and expects Kosovo to actively participate in regional cooperation and economic integration.

He emphasized that while the Western Balkans is a region of great potential, it also faces real challenges. Ethnic tensions are being inflamed by incendiary rhetoric and the actions of external actors.

“Criminal networks exploit instability to fuel illegal migration. Corruption continues to undermine the rule of law. Gender-based violence remains a serious and pervasive human rights issue. These challenges threaten the peace and progress so many have worked hard to achieve. Kosovo has a vital role in addressing them—and in shaping the future of the region. But to do so, it must be politically ready,” he stated.

At a time when Kosovo is without a functioning government and Assembly, the British ambassador called on political leaders to reach an agreement as soon as possible, form new institutions, and focus on the citizens’ core priorities: economic development, social inclusion, and regional stability.