Vujinovic: Serbian Government's measures improve the livelihood of Serbs in Kosovo; Western reactions expected

Security studies researcher Nikola Vujinovic emphasizes that the Serbian government’s measures to support Serbs in Kosovo do not constitute a violation of agreements, though reactions from Germany, the US, and the EU are expected, given that the collective West is a sponsor of Kosovo's independence.

Vujinovic pointed out that, when it comes to support measures, it is paradoxical to talk about a breach of agreements, especially since Pristina has not established the Community of Serb Municipalities for more than a decade.

“To speak of any agreement violations by the Republic of Serbia is absurd. Serbia respects the agreements in dialogue. The example of the CSM as an unfulfilled agreement has been on the table for ten years, if not longer. On both political and existential levels for the Serbian community, it’s ridiculous to talk about any agreement violations," Vujinovic stated.

He noted that Western reactions were anticipated.

“Brussels, Germany, and the US are sponsors of Kosovo's independence, so naturally they will oppose any measure that threatens that independence. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, while Albin Kurti considers Kosovo independent and acts in ways that send a message to the Serbian community: ‘You don’t belong here.’ Meanwhile, Serbian laws assert: ‘Not only do we belong here, but we will show what happens if we are excluded,’” he said.

Vujinovic also points out that the reactions were beneficial, as they brought attention to Serbia’s position, which might lead to a de-escalation in the future.

“The reactions were expected. I anticipated even harsher responses, possibly even visits from US representatives and Miroslav Lajcak to ‘slap our wrists.’ Only the law proposals have been adopted so far, but the essence of these laws sends a message to the Serbian community, Albanians, and the sponsors of Kosovo’s independence. I welcome this feedback and criticism, as it means we were heard and could potentially see a cooling of tensions,” Vujinovic emphasized.

He notes that the survival of Serbs in Kosovo without state support is a red line for the Kosovo authorities.

“Showing that the Serbian community can survive without that ‘state’ is a red line for them. If Serbia protects the Serbian community, then the Albanian community might question why some funds do not go to them as well, which will raise many social issues in Kosovo, especially as tens of thousands of citizens are leaving,” he added.

The Serbian government’s measures enhance the Serbian community’s livelihood, Vujinovic said.

“These measures help them stay, fight for their lives, heritage, and identity as Serbs,” he stressed.

He reminded that these measures were enacted in response to multiple actions by the Kosovo government against Serbs in Kosovo.

“It is a fact that these measures were implemented after financial transactions were halted, Serbian goods were blocked for months, and raids on banks and institutions occurred. This will likely provoke further repression, but the ball is now in the collective West’s court to shift their stance toward the Serbian community. I am convinced that Kurti and his elite would not dare act against the Serbian community without the green light from their sponsors,” Vujinovic concluded.