The tension between Kosovo and Serbia, in particular due to the fact that the first has not yet been recognised universally, has always been very high; though a recent fact, the war of the license of plates, has increased it, leading NATO to preoccupation.
The young Republic of Kosovo gained the independence on 17th of February 2008 and yet it has been recognised so by more than a hundred states, including Italy; in particular, its progressive international legitimacy has been enshrined from the gaining of the membership of some of the most important international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and finally the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. (Relazioni Internazionali (Kosovo), 2022)
Though the State has not gained the status of member of ONU because of the possible Russian veto at the Security Council. Indeed Russia, historically linked to Belgrade from the common Slavo-orthodox belonging, believes that the Kosovo’s independence violates the international law principles but, most importantly, might constitute a precedent for other analogous situations. Serbia, China and five of the member states of the UE (Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia and Romania) still do not recognise Kosovo as independent. (Relazioni internazionali (Kosovo), 2022)
Since then, the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade has always been very problematic; indeed, the latest clash between the twos has been represented by the war of the license plates: the Pristina’s government imposed to Serbian cars, in order to get into the State, the exposition of temporary license plates with “Republic of Kosovo” written on; the decision is justified by the prime minister Alin Kurti on the grounds of reciprocity. In fact, on its part, Serbia does not consent the entrance in their territory of vehicles with a Kosovar license plate; in 2011 has been granted the access of Kosovar cars on condition that it is taken a Serbian license plate on a reduced price. The deal, that has been renewed in 2016, expired few weeks ago. The Pristina’s decision has been welcomed with lots of protests from the Serbian minority in Kosovo which have been tempered by the ROSU special forces. In addition, in Jarinje and in Brnjak, at the border between Kosovo and Serbia, some citizens have blocked the passage of the vehicles and are doing strikes. (Tra Serbia e Kosovo è ancora ‘guerra delle targhe’, 2022)
UE, that has always had a role as an intermediator between the two governments, has encouraged to maintain the calm and to undertake a dialogue. Though the tensions are still very high and the situation cannot be undermined; for this reason the NATO forces of the Kfor mission have announced the strengthening of the patrols. ('Guerra delle targhe' in Kosovo, prosegue protesta dei serbi, 2022)
Bibliografia
'Guerra delle targhe' in Kosovo, prosegue protesta dei serbi. (2022, settembre 23). Retrieved from ANSA: https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2021/09/23/guerra-delle-targhe-in-kosovo-prosegueprotesta-dei-serbi_0462c166-0fdf-4e28-af5d-a957d064523b.html
Relazioni internazionali (Kosovo). (2022, maggio 05). Retrieved from Infomercati esteri Italia: https://www.infomercatiesteri.it/relazioni_internazionali.php?id_paesi=73
Relazioni Internazionali (Kosovo). (2022, maggio 05). Retrieved from Infomercati esteri Italia: https://www.infomercatiesteri.it/relazioni_internazionali.php?id_paesi=73
Tra Serbia e Kosovo è ancora ‘guerra delle targhe’. (2022, agosto 01). Retrieved from ISPI: https://www.ispionline.it/it/pubblicazione/tra-serbia-e-kosovo-e-ancora-guerra-delle-targhe-35917
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