Why Do Kosovo and Serbia Still Have Problems?

The conflict between Serbia and Kosovo is one of Europe's most complex challenges, having been going on since the end of the last century. Despite the end of hostilities in 1999 and international mediation efforts, the two countries continue to have serious disputes and misunderstandings. The question is why these problems persist and what is behind the ongoing tension in the region.

Historical Context

Kosovo is a historical region of the former Yugoslavia, with an Albanian majority and a Serbian minority, which plays a key role in Serbian history. Over the centuries, Kosovo has been the subject of numerous political and territorial disputes. In 1912, most of its territory was conquered during the Balkan Wars and became part of the Kingdom of Serbia, and after World War I, it became part of the then Yugoslavia, along with the current states of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.

On June 28, 1989, the day of the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo, Slobodan Milošević delivered a speech to hundreds of thousands of Serbs, mobilizing national sentiments and beginning to impose Serbian hegemony in Yugoslavia. By by delivering his famous Gazimestan speech, in which he used nationalist rhetoric, and was elected President of Serbia. This was a key year for his political rise and the beginning of the breakup of Yugoslavia. He emerged as the leader of the Serbian national movement, which subsequently led to war in the region.

Thus, in the 1990s, tensions escalated and led to armed conflict between Serbian forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army. Unfortunately, the military actions led to a humanitarian crisis and a mass exodus of civilians.

After the rapid escalation, NATO intervened in the conflict in 1999, through airstrikes on Serbia, ending active hostilities and placing Kosovo under interim UN administration. After lengthy international negotiations, on February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared independence, which was recognized by 115/192 UN members. Russia and China, along with five EU countries - Greece, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Cyprus - were not among them. Serbia is the country that to this day rejects the existence of Kosovo as an independent state. This decision remains a key factor in ongoing tensions in the region, as Serbia and parts of the Serbian population in Kosovo continue to dispute the legitimacy of independence.

The Role of the EU

The European Union is the main mediator through dialogue in Brussels, thus trying to normalize relations and stimulate the European integration of the countries, reducing tensions between them. Technical and financial assistance is being provided to develop education, institutions and infrastructure. However, progress remains slow due to nationalist sentiments and political conflicts that Serbia and Kosovo still share.

Conclusion

The problems between Kosovo and Serbia are the result of ethnic differences, historical disputes and political instability. The EU plays a key role as a mediator, but a future solution requires compromises, sustainable development initiatives and dialogue. Cooperation and solidarity are the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.