3/07/2025
Strpce/Shtërpcë, 30 June 2025 – The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), organized its fifth monthly community roundtable focused on interethnic coexistence and local challenges in the municipality of Shtërpcë. The discussion brought together a diverse group of participants, including municipal officials, civil society representatives, students, community leaders, and law enforcement.
The roundtable explored the current dynamics of interethnic relations in Strpce and broader concerns affecting everyday life in the municipality. While participants described Strpce as a positive example of interethnic communication and mutual respect, they also emphasized that local issues are often shaped by external political and structural constraints.
One of the panelists, who has worked in civil society, central government, and now in local administration, highlighted Strpce as a model municipality for interethnic cooperation in Kosovo. He stressed that “respect for diversity is a norm” and that tensions are rarely internally generated but often imported from the wider political environment. The panelist pointed to practical challenges such as delays in licensing for waste collection and unresolved disputes around local infrastructure projects, including citizen protests over planned water plants.
A recurring concern was the delayed nostrification of diplomas from Serbia, which participants noted should be a purely technical process but has become politically stalled. The failure to establish a dedicated diploma verification committee was cited as a key barrier to progress in this area. One panelist noted that “most problems are political, which is why they remain unresolved,” underlining the disconnect between political decision-making and technical needs on the ground.
Youth challenges were another focal point of the discussion, particularly the lack of sustainable employment and quality educational opportunities. Participants also pointed to the untapped potential of the Brezovica tourist area, which they believe could drive economic development and improve interethnic cooperation if properly invested in.
Concerns were also raised about disinformation, with many noting that both local and central media are perceived to be heavily influenced by political interests. This, combined with low levels of media literacy, increases community vulnerability to misinformation.
Healthcare limitations, including reduced operating hours and access issues, were also discussed as persistent problems that reflect broader infrastructure and service gaps.
Participants expressed concern about the declining role of civil society in Strpce due to reduced donor support and a lack of long-term projects. Many called for renewed investment in civil society and community-building initiatives to sustain positive momentum and engagement.
In conclusion, the roundtable emphasized that interethnic relations in Strpce are not the central issue; rather, the municipality faces deep-rooted structural challenges in health, education, infrastructure, and development. Many participants linked these local difficulties to the broader stagnation of the political dialogue at the national level.
This discussion served as a valuable opportunity to highlight local resilience and cooperation while acknowledging the systemic issues that hinder progress. KCSS will continue to facilitate such dialogues to amplify community voices and support inclusive, evidence-based policymaking.
Shqip
