22/09/2025
Shterpce/ Štrpce, 22 September 2025 – Local stakeholders from civil society, media, education, and municipal institutions took part in a roundtable discussion organized by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) on the impact of disinformation and ways to strengthen community resilience.
During the roundtable, KCSS presented the findings of its recent report How Disinformation Fuels Ethno-Political Radicalization in Kosovo, authored by Gentiana Paçarizi, Dr. Ramadan Ilazi, and Pia-Katharina Pallasch, and with contributions from Denora Gashi.
Participants noted that disinformation is widespread and perceived as politically driven, with media outlets seen as lacking independence. Concerns were raised about the younger generation being more vulnerable to extremist narratives. While Shterpce/ Štrpce has a tradition of peaceful coexistence, participants said broader political tensions in Kosovo and Serbia affect perceptions of security.
Different cases of disinformation were discussed as examples of how competing narratives can quickly spread and deepen mistrust, such as cases of developments in the north of Kosovo.
Dr. Ramadan Ilazi, Head of Research at KCSS, underlined the importance of addressing these challenges: “Communities like Shterpce/ Štrpce show that traditions of coexistence remain strong, but they are under pressure from disinformation and political tensions. Giving local voices a platform and supporting bilingual communication are vital steps toward building resilience.”
The event was part of the DISRUPT project – Disinformation, Radicalisation and Unpacking Political Tensions in Kosovo.
