Vujovic: The position of Serbs in Kosovo is extremely difficult; the solution ensures the functioning of Serbian institutions

Tanja Vujovic, Dean of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Pristina with temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica, emphasized that the position of Serbs in Kosovo is extremely difficult and that the solution regarding the Law on Foreigners ensures the continued functioning of Serbian institutions.

“Everyone should be aware that the position of Serbs in these areas is extremely difficult and can be compared to the period of the Ottoman Empire, when Serbs paid various levies and tributes and were subjected to the devshirme. I am not exaggerating in saying that the situation is similar today, given that we are witnessing the Kosovo Police arresting children because of Serbian songs or T-shirts, and that we have unjustly convicted people in Pristina prisons,” Vujovic said for TV Prva.
She recalled that a budget of four billion euros was recently adopted in Pristina, yet not a single euro was allocated for Serbian municipalities.
“That clearly demonstrates the attitude of the Pristina administration toward Serbs in these areas,” Vujovic underlined.
She pointed out that, on the other hand, Serbs in Kosovo have strong support from their state, Serbia, which is fighting for their survival and the preservation of institutions, investing significant resources and efforts.
“It is important that our state leadership, through diplomatic activities, managed to point out to representatives of the international community—at a time when they are dealing with more pressing problems—the fatal consequences that the Law on Foreigners would have had for the survival of Serbian institutions and the Serbian people. In such circumstances, when globally there are new conflict zones emerging every day and an intense struggle for the redistribution of power is taking place, our task is to make every effort to preserve peace and ensure the continuity of institutional functioning. If you ask me whether the solution is fair—it is not ideal; but if you ask whether it is acceptable—in these circumstances it is. It will ensure the continued operation of institutions within the system of Serbia,” Vujovic explained.
She stated that those who were born in Kosovo and studied at the University of Pristina remember the ordeal that institution has endured—numerous upheavals, relocations, pogroms, and even the killing of colleagues.
“We know what we are defending, and we will not give up that struggle,” Vujovic emphasized.
She also noted that the University recently received an invitation to participate in the Horizon project, adding that this demonstrates that the international community recognizes the institution as an equal partner. She assured students that work will continue within the Serbian educational system.