Kosovo, Serbia: Increased security likely protests at border crossing points, through late Nov.

Event

Ongoing heightened tensions are likely in Kosovo and Serbia border regions through late Nov, following the failure of EU-led talks between authorities Nov. 21. Serbian and Kosovar negotiators had attempted to reconcile long-standing disagreements over vehicle licence plates and transit documentation. The lack of an accord will likely lead to increased security and heightened tensions in border regions.

Increased security is likely in parts of northern Kosovo, especially near the Serbian border, over the short term. Roadblocks and heightened security measures may prompt localized transport disruptions. In July, Kosovar authorities temporarily closed the Brnjak and Jarinje border crossings to traffic, Serbian residents in northern Kosovo blocked roads in protest, and some gunfire was reported in unspecified remote. Similar disruption is possible if tensions escalate. Ethnic Serbs may also protest in the Kosovo city of Mitrovica and the capital Pristina.

Context

Since August, Serbia agreed to abolish entry/exit documents for Kosovo ID holders, while Kosovo agreed not to introduce them for Serbian ID holders. However, the long-standing dispute over licence plates has not been resolved: the government in Pristina insists that around 10,000 Kosovan Serbs with licence plates issued by Serbia must replace them by next April with Kosovo licences, according to a graduated scheme of warnings, fines, and eventually road bans.

Advice

Exercise heightened vigilance if operating in northern Kosovo or the Kosovo-Serbia border region. Avoid potential roadblocks and concentrations of security forces; consider taking alternative routes to circumvent affected areas. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.