Kosovo Country Report

Political and social stability in Kosovo remains tenuous. Kosovo's relations with Serbia, the EU, and NATO have strained in recent years. Reconciliation between ethnic Albanians and Serbs intermittently escalates into disturbances, particularly in northern areas near the Serbian border. The risk of a military confrontation between Kosovo and Serbia remains a threat, and occasionally, attacks and unrest by ethno-nationalist groups exacerbate these tensions. There are also concerns over the threat posed by Kosovar Islamist militants' ties to terrorist organizations. Petty crime can pose a problem for travelers in Kosovo. Foreigners are often targeted as victims of opportunity or due to their perceived wealth. Although rare, violent confrontations between organized crime elements have sporadically occurred in public spaces and can pose an incidental risk of violence to bystanders. Air travel is generally considered safe. Driving conditions are hazardous due to poor road conditions and the mountainous terrain in most parts of Kosovo. Medical care and facilities in Kosovo do not meet Western standards. There is also a shortage of prescription medicine and other essentials. Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a tick-borne disease, is endemic to Kosovo. Other travel risks include natural hazards such as heavy snow and minor earthquakes as well as unexploded ordnances near Kosovo's border areas.

Crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in Kosovo, especially in Pristina, and the threat of violent Islamist extremism has been slowly growing in Kosovo. Outbreaks of unrest and ethnic disturbances occur sporadically, where tensions between the ethnic Albanian majority and the ethnic Serb minority represent the primary source of unrest in Kosovo.

There are serious deficiencies in the country's utility infrastructure. Access to utilities in cities is good, while access in rural areas is poor. Many of the roads are poorly maintained, especially in rural and mountainous areas. Many roads lack proper signage, while road conditions, especially in rural areas, tend to worsen after heavy rain or snow.

There is a moderate threat of cyber-attack to individuals and companies. Travelers are advised to practice cyber vigilance. Increasing reliance on technology is being exploited by criminals.

The climate varies between a northern continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Forest fires are frequent which may have a negative effect on air quality. UXO, a remnant from the 1999 war, is common.

The health system in Kosovo is poorly funded; medical care and facilities in Kosovo may not meet Western standards, and doctors and nurses are not adequately trained. State pharmacies do not have adequate supplies of basic medicines. While medication can be found in private pharmacies, the medication may be under non-familiar names.There are recorded cases of hepatitis A and B. Tap water is not safe to drink.

Kosovo is a unitary multi-party parliamentary republic. The President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Prime Minister and the cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. The unicameral parliament, or the Assembly of Kosovo, exercises legislative power. Parliamentary elections take place at least once every four years. However, snap elections have been called several times in response to political evolutions. The judiciary is nominally independent of the executive and the legislature but is widely regarded as corrupt and vulnerable to external pressures.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Government collapses occasionally occur. State institutions are moderately effective and provide reliable services across most of the country. However, services can be unreliable in the north of the country.