Prishtina, November 13, 2024
The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) organized a conference on the topic “The Influence of Foreign Actors on the National Security of Kosova” as part of a project supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Office in Kosova. The aim of the conference was to analyze the current security issues in the country, by focusing on two critical elements that describe Kosova’s vulnerability and prospects for strengthening the national security policy, namely: the external malign influence and the means that such malign influence affect Kosova’s path to EU integration.
The purpose of the conference was twofold: first, the launching of two research papers that were produced by the KCSS staff. The first paper was titled “Kosova in Russian Foreign Policy” and the second paper was titled “Confronting Kosova’s Internal and External Threats on the Road to EU Accession.” Whereas the second aim of the conference was to discuss the findings of the papers with distinguished experts, as well as come up with recommendations as to how to make us of such research and discussions for future policy-making, particularly on the foreign policy agenda of Kosova Government Institutions.
Some highlighted findings of the first paper “Kosova in Russian Foreign Policy Discourse” and discussion were the following:
- The issues of foreign interference and disinformation are not merely political; they are challenges that strike at the heart of Kosovo’s democratic aspirations and the security of the entire Western Balkans
- Russia’s presence in the Western Balkans, particularly through its cultural, economic and political alliance with Serbia, represents a strategic effort to counter the Euro-Atlantic integration of the region.
- Kosovo and its partners must prioritize countering disinformation through transparent media, public awareness campaigns, and fact-checking initiatives to mitigate Russian narratives.
- Closer cooperation on intelligence-sharing and cybersecurity initiatives will strengthen regional resilience and limit the operational capacity of foreign actors seeking to destabilize the Balkans.
Some highlighted findings of the second paper “Confronting Kosova’s Internal and External Threats on the Road to EU Accession” and discussion were the following:
- Serbia’s proactive lobbying against Kosova’s membership in international organizations, such as INTERPOL not only weakens Kosovo’s national security and hinders its full integration into the international system, but also obstructs its progress toward EU membership.
- The resurgence of ethno-political nationalism poses a significant security threat in Kosova. Unresolved post-war issues, such as Serbia’s denial of war crimes and the stagnation of transitional justice, have allowed radical ideologies to persist, which is what enables ethnic tensions between the Albanian and the Serbian communities in Kosova to remain a concerning issue.
- For Kosova, membership in the EU is not only a matter of political and economic integration but also a critical component of its national security strategy.
- As shown in a survey conducted by Omnibus, 59.5% of Kosovar citizens believe that membership in the EU would improve Kosova’s national security agenda.
- Action should be undertaken by the following stakeholders:
- The EU should provide a predictable and structured enlargement process as that would encourage membership aspirants to create a stronger commitment to EU principles.
- The Kosova Government should foster a more serious dialogue across all communities in the country by including them in decision-making processes.
- The EU should play a leading role in facilitating the process of normalization of relations between Kosova and Serbia, which would enable the two countries to make process on tranisitonal justice mechanisms.
The findings of these papers will be included in future discussions and activities of the KCSS in order to ensure that all communities in Kosova, as well as public institutions and international actors are informed about the multifaceted security challenges that confront the country. By deepening the understanding on such issues, KCSS maintains its aim on assisting Kosova institutions in developing strategies that will safeguard its future within the EU framework, ensuring resilience in the face of both local and external pressures.
