ICG: Decentralization is key in Kosovo

Integrating the Serb minority is the key problem in Kosovo, and the best way to achieve it is decentralization, says the International Crisis Group (ICG). In a report called “Serb Integration in Kosovo: Taking the Plunge”, the ICG outlines recommendations for the Kosovo authorities, Serbia and the international community. ICG: Decentralization is key in Kosovo In the ICG’s opinion, for Belgrade, isolation from the Kosovo institutions is the main instrument in the policy of undermining the province’s independence. Belgrade has allocated significant funds to satisfy the needs of the Kosovo Serbs, but, south of the Ibar, where the majority of Kosovo Serbs live, parallel Serb institutions’ work is only limited, and they are unable to cater to their people. The Kosovo government and international bodies are promoting decentralization as the best way to persuade Serbs to engage in the institutions of “the new state” and convince them that they have a future there. The ICG says that the Kosovo authorities need to show understanding for the Serbs’ concerns. Mentioning Kosovo’s status should not be avoided, but Serb participation should not be presented as a triumph of independence. “Contrary to Belgrade’s boycott calls, Serbs have in increasing numbers found ways of engaging pragmatically with Kosovo institutions, relying on them for services, applying for Kosovo official documents and accepting Kosovo (as well as Serbian) salaries,” it is stated in the report. “Belgrade’s policy of opposing all engagement has proved unrealistic for Serbs in the south, who, living among Albanians, have found there is no choice but to deal with the society around them,” it adds. The ICG states that Serbian authorities’ approach has become further hampered because of the economic crisis, as there are now serious budgetary limitations. “The Serbian government elected in May 2008 adopted a new approach to Kosovo and has in general given Serbs there greater leeway to find their own practical solutions for daily problems. This positive approach should be extended to include an end to support for parallel structures that have been rife with corruption,” the report states. The ICG recommends that “Belgrade should not sustain hardline elements, particularly in northern Kosovo, which hinder constructive Serb engagement in Kosovo, block the return of displaced people and hold up attempts to introduce the rule of law.” “The planned decentralization offers the best way to integrate Serbs in Kosovo, while enabling them to retain cherished links with Serbia. According to the blueprint laid out in the Ahtisaari plan, new Serb-majority municipalities should be created, with enhanced competencies in education, healthcare and culture. Belgrade would continue to provide technical and financial support to the Kosovo Serbs, but this should be transparent and coordinated with the Kosovo authorities. The Serbian government should not hinder decentralisation and should, at least tacitly, encourage Kosovo Serbs to engage in the process,” the report continues. The ICG underlines that “it is unrealistic to demand that decentralization be neutral regarding Kosovo’s status, as Belgrade would wish. Pristina’s Ministry of Local Government Administration (MLGA) will have to be involved. But there is scope for meeting Serb concerns, while playing down the status issue.” “International bodies should likewise adopt a low-key approach,” the organization believes. The report concludes by stating that “The International Civilian Office (ICO) has an important role in decentralisation. This is troubling to most Serbs and anathema to Belgrade, which risks undermining the entire process. The ICO should remain in the background, allowing the MLGA to take the lead. As part of its regular work with local authorities and support for minority rights, the mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) should be involved on the ground in the practical implementation of decentralisation within its existing mandate. Everything should be done to encourage Kosovo Serbs to involve themselves with Pristina’s institutions.”

ICG: Decentralization is key in Kosovo

In the ICG’s opinion, for Belgrade, isolation from the Kosovo institutions is the main instrument in the policy of undermining the province’s independence.

Belgrade has allocated significant funds to satisfy the needs of the Kosovo Serbs, but, south of the Ibar, where the majority of Kosovo Serbs live, parallel Serb institutions’ work is only limited, and they are unable to cater to their people.

The Kosovo government and international bodies are promoting decentralization as the best way to persuade Serbs to engage in the institutions of “the new state” and convince them that they have a future there.

The ICG says that the Kosovo authorities need to show understanding for the Serbs’ concerns. Mentioning Kosovo’s status should not be avoided, but Serb participation should not be presented as a triumph of independence.

“Contrary to Belgrade’s boycott calls, Serbs have in increasing numbers found ways of engaging pragmatically with Kosovo institutions, relying on them for services, applying for Kosovo official documents and accepting Kosovo (as well as Serbian) salaries,” it is stated in the report.

“Belgrade’s policy of opposing all engagement has proved unrealistic for Serbs in the south, who, living among Albanians, have found there is no choice but to deal with the society around them,” it adds.

The ICG states that Serbian authorities’ approach has become further hampered because of the economic crisis, as there are now serious budgetary limitations.

“The Serbian government elected in May 2008 adopted a new approach to Kosovo and has in general given Serbs there greater leeway to find their own practical solutions for daily problems. This positive approach should be extended to include an end to support for parallel structures that have been rife with corruption,” the report states.

The ICG recommends that “Belgrade should not sustain hardline elements, particularly in northern Kosovo, which hinder constructive Serb engagement in Kosovo, block the return of displaced people and hold up attempts to introduce the rule of law.”

“The planned decentralization offers the best way to integrate Serbs in Kosovo, while enabling them to retain cherished links with Serbia. According to the blueprint laid out in the Ahtisaari plan, new Serb-majority municipalities should be created, with enhanced competencies in education, healthcare and culture. Belgrade would continue to provide technical and financial support to the Kosovo Serbs, but this should be transparent and coordinated with the Kosovo authorities. The Serbian government should not hinder decentralisation and should, at least tacitly, encourage Kosovo Serbs to engage in the process,” the report continues.

The ICG underlines that “it is unrealistic to demand that decentralization be neutral regarding Kosovo’s status, as Belgrade would wish. Priština’s Ministry of Local Government Administration (MLGA) will have to be involved. But there is scope for meeting Serb concerns, while playing down the status issue.”

“International bodies should likewise adopt a low-key approach,” the organization believes.

The report concludes by stating that “The International Civilian Office (ICO) has an important role in decentralisation. This is troubling to most Serbs and anathema to Belgrade, which risks undermining the entire process. The ICO should remain in the background, allowing the MLGA to take the lead. As part of its regular work with local authorities and support for minority rights, the mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) should be involved on the ground in the practical implementation of decentralisation within its existing mandate. Everything should be done to encourage Kosovo Serbs to involve themselves with Priština’s institutions.”