Today Pristina celebrates seven years after it unilaterally declared independence of the southern Serbian province. Social misery and political disputes make it a potential powder keg. Exodus, huge poverty, high unemployment, unhindered crime and corruption – is picture sent to the world by the ‘Republic of Kosovo’ seven years after self-declared independence. Even though they defer on the status issue, Serbs and Albanians don’t dispute over this image.
After 2008 Kosovo was recognized, according to Pristina’s data, by 108 states, along with only four recognitions last year. However, self-declared ‘republic’ managed to open the door of organizations such as CEFTA, IMF, World Bank, IOC, several sport association, regional organizations…
The head of the Serbian parliament’s Committee on Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun assessed that Kosovo is today ‘to a great extent corrupt, and when it comes to democratic institutions – weak creation which for itself doesn’t know what it is’.
“Apart from promises of Albanian politicians that honey and milk will start flowing in Kosovo after it unilaterally declares independence, and after recognition of around hundred states, there are no elements that would indicate that it is about a state. It is about a creation without perspective, as shown by massive migration of people, and about a failed experiment of forced re-tailoring of borders in Balkans. Those who think about future of Kosovo and Metohija should discuss with Belgrade about the way Kosovo and Metohija should follow in future, but if those talks are conducted with Albania than entire region could move into a new war.
Political analyst Dusan Janjic says that Kosovo could, theoretically, be defined as ‘a state under construction’, with weak institutions, whereas it practically doesn’t have the sovereignty on entire territory. “There is a huge gap between what is written in Kosovo laws and expectations of the population. There is no UN membership, and without full international capacity you can’t associate with others and you can’t take loans.
Due all said above, Janjic warns that 2015 could be the year of huge political risks which, if connected with the social dissatisfaction, could spill over to the ethnic field.
