This project aims to comprehensively analyze the views and feelings of the Serbian community in Kosovo using quantitative research methods. The main goal is to collect and assess their perspectives on a range of issues that are important to them and relevant to the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. Through this research, we aim to provide empirical data that can help improve the internal dialogue between central institutions and communities in Kosovo. Below, we present the main findings of the report:
Main findings
Community Challenges and Issues
-The top three daily concerns for the community are overall security/stability (51%), political freedom (43%), and employment/economic conditions (40%).
-Corruption is seen as the most important challenge (42%), especially in relation to political freedom and democracy.
-There are notable differences between urban and rural areas in terms of challenges, with corruption being more prevalent in rural areas (49%) compared to urban areas (31%).
Click here for the full report:
Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue
Respondents have mixed perceptions of the government’s efforts towards minority groups, with 61% agreeing that dialogue is promoted, but 68% expressing concerns about barriers to access to services.
The Serbian Orthodox Church is seen as the main actor for community dialogue (58%).
Preferences for dialogue facilitators vary by region, with urban respondents favoring Kosovo political parties (31%) and rural respondents favoring Serbian political parties (59%).
Trust in state institutions and superpowers
-Healthcare workers are the most trusted among respondents.
-Trust in various institutions fluctuates, with Russia being the most trusted, while entities such as KFOR, the EU and the US have seen a decline in trust.
Self-Management Framework
-64% of respondents have a basic understanding of the Self-Management Framework, with a notable difference in opinions between the two survey waves.
-The majority (70%) view the framework positively for Serb rights and reconciliation.
The future in Kosovo
-There is a decline in confidence that interethnic relations will improve, from 36% in wave 1 to 28% in wave 2.
-Shopping remains the main reason for visiting the city, although interest in nightlife has declined.
-Respondents generally perceive low barriers to interacting with different communities, but Albanians are seen as a moderate barrier in workplace environments.
Feelings towards the CBK’s decision on currency
-The majority of respondents (64%) believe that the adoption of the euro is possible, with urban respondents being more optimistic than rural ones.
This comprehensive analysis aims to foster better dialogue and understanding between central institutions and the Serbian community in Kosovo.
The study was supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kosovo, a joint project with the New Social Initiative – NSI and the Center for Social Initiatives.
May 23 2024