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Image: Marjan Vucetic/AP Photo/picture allianceImage: Marjan Vucetic/AP Photo/picture alliance

Kosovo

Kosovo, a Balkan nation of almost 1.9 million people, is a historically significant region for both ethnic Serbs and ethnic Albanians. Tensions between the two groups continue to this day.

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All Content on this topic

NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers in Zvecan, Kosovo alongside armored vehicle

NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers in Zvecan, Kosovo alongside armored vehicle

Kosovo crisis: France, Germany call for new elections

Kosovo PM Albin Kurti has doubled down on the decision to install ethnic Albanian mayors in majority Serb areas.

Novak Djokovic looks at the ball as he attempts a shot

Novak Djokovic looks at the ball as he attempts a shot

French Open: Novak Djokovic doubles down on Kosovo statement

Novak Djokovic caused controversy in Paris after writing "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia" on a courtside camera.

KFOR soldier putting up barbed wire near town hall in Zvecan, Kosovo

KFOR soldier putting up barbed wire near town hall in Zvecan, Kosovo

Kosovo: NATO-led peacekeepers put up barriers in Serb town

Soldiers secured the perimeter of the town hall of Zvecan with metal fences following clashes with ethnic Serbs.

Kosovo Force (KFOR) soldiers clash with local Kosovo Serb protesters at the entrance of the municipality office, in the town of Zvecan, Kosovo.

Kosovo Force (KFOR) soldiers clash with local Kosovo Serb protesters at the entrance of the municipality office, in the town of Zvecan, Kosovo.

Who are the NATO-led troops caught in the Kosovo tensions?

International peacekeepers are caught up in an acrimonious episode in Kosovo. How did they come to be there?

Polish KFOR soldiers stand guard at a municipal office in Zvecan

Polish KFOR soldiers stand guard at a municipal office in Zvecan

Kosovo: NATO to send in 700 more KFOR troops after clashes

NATO is sending more soldiers to Kosovo after dozens of KFOR peacekeepers were injured in violent protests.

Kosovo riot police along with KFOR (International Military Mission to Kosovo) military police, secure access to a municipal building in Zvecan as Kosovo Serbs gather outside the building after police helped install ethnic Albanian mayors following controversial elections, on May 29, 2023.

Kosovo riot police along with KFOR (International Military Mission to Kosovo) military police, secure access to a municipal building in Zvecan as Kosovo Serbs gather outside the building after police helped install ethnic Albanian mayors following controversial elections, on May 29, 2023.

Kosovo: NATO-led troops injured as Serbs protest new mayors

Tensions between Serbs and Albanians are escalating in Kosovo, with a NATO-led peacekeeping force caught in the middle.

Special police forces officers stand next to a burning car in the town of Zvecan, Kosovo on May 26, 2023

Special police forces officers stand next to a burning car in the town of Zvecan, Kosovo on May 26, 2023

Serbia sends army to Kosovo border as protest escalates

Clashes broke out as demonstrators tried to prevent a newly elected ethnic Albanian mayor from entering his office.

Aleksandar Vucic, Albin Kurti and Josep Borrell at talks

Aleksandar Vucic, Albin Kurti and Josep Borrell at talks

Serbia, Kosovo leaders in EU talks to normalize ties

The question of Kosovo's statehood, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, remains the most contentious issue.

Two women, Afghan journalists-in-exile, on a street in Pristina, Kosovo

Two women, Afghan journalists-in-exile, on a street in Pristina, Kosovo

Afghan journalists make a new start in Kosovo

After the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, free media outlets were shut down and many journalists fled the country.

People holding up banners and flags at a protest rally

People holding up banners and flags at a protest rally

Kosovo war trial: More resentment between Kosovo and Serbia?

The Kosovo war crimes trial in The Hague could exacerbate tensions between Kosovo and Serbia.

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci attends his war crimes trial in The Hague,

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci attends his war crimes trial in The Hague,

Kosovo Liberation Army war crimes trial begins in The Hague

Former top commanders in the Kosovo Liberation Army stand accused of persecuting political rivals and ethnic minorities.

Former President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci looks into the camera.

Former President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci looks into the camera.

Kosovo's ex-president Thaci pleads not guilty in The Hague

Thousands gathered to protest the trial against Kosovo's ex-President Hashim Thaci accused of war crimes.

Fokus Europa | Kosovo KFOR

Fokus Europa | Kosovo KFOR

On patrol with KFOR

The EU is trying to mediate between Serbia and Kosovo. But the situation in Kosovo remains tense.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks to media, in Ohrid

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks to media, in Ohrid

EU says Serbia, Kosovo stop short of deal to normalize ties

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said that after marathon 12-hour talks some progress was made but more talks are to come.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and EU Special Representative of Europe Miroslav Lajcak attend EU-sponsored talks in Brussels.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and EU Special Representative of Europe Miroslav Lajcak attend EU-sponsored talks in Brussels.

Serbia and Kosovo accept EU proposal to normalize ties

The EU published its peace plan for Serbia and Kosovo on Monday after tense mediation talks in Brussels.

Videostill | Kosovo: How football helps build bridges

Videostill | Kosovo: How football helps build bridges

Football Initiative Bridges Kosovo's Ethnic Divide

A UN-sponsored sporting project for girls aims to instill the values of tolerance and unity in the next generation.

Suzana M. (left) and Gent S., each photographed from behind, in their flat in Pristina, Kosovo, February 14, 2023

Suzana M. (left) and Gent S., each photographed from behind, in their flat in Pristina, Kosovo, February 14, 2023

Kosovo: Love across the ethnic and political divide

The conflict between Serbia and Kosovo could not stop a Serbian woman and a Kosovo Albanian man from becoming a couple.

Kosovo Serb and Albanian girls playing football on an indoor court

Kosovo Serb and Albanian girls playing football on an indoor court

Kosovo: How football helps build bridges

A UN project in Kosovo is helping bring ethnic Serb and Albanian girls together on the football pitch.

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'Serbia will never accept the independence of Kosovo'

Serbia's minister of European Integration stated that Belgrade will never recognize Kosovo's independence.

Vehicle with 'KFOR' printed on the side

Vehicle with 'KFOR' printed on the side

Kosovo's Kurti wants more NATO troops amid Serbia tensions

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti says a greater NATO presence in his country would increase security in the region.

Three trucks blocking a road in Mitrovica

Three trucks blocking a road in Mitrovica

Serbs in northern Kosovo start removing roadblocks

A roadblock near the main border was removed in a step expected to diffuse tension between Belgrade and Pristina.

Trucks forming a roadblock near Mitrovica

Trucks forming a roadblock near Mitrovica

Germany urges Kosovo Serb militants to remove barricades

Barricades erected by ethnic Serbs in the north of Kosovo are illegal and must be dismantled, Germany says.

Members of the KFOR peacekeeping force patrol the area near the border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia in Jarinje, Kosovo

Members of the KFOR peacekeeping force patrol the area near the border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia in Jarinje, Kosovo

What's behind the tensions between Kosovo and ethnic Serbs?

Tensions between ethnic Serbs and Kosovar authorities are at a dangerous level, with Serbia threatening to send troops.

Serbia's Defense Minister Milos Vucevic speaks with Serbian army chief of staff Milan Mojsilovic

Serbia's Defense Minister Milos Vucevic speaks with Serbian army chief of staff Milan Mojsilovic

Serbia places troops on 'highest' alert amid Kosovo tensions

Defense officials in Serbia have ordered "full combat readiness" amid a spat with Kosovo over license plates.

US soldiers serving in NATO-led peacekeeping force KFOR, guard a checkpoint on the road near a northern Kosovo border crossing

US soldiers serving in NATO-led peacekeeping force KFOR, guard a checkpoint on the road near a northern Kosovo border crossing

North Kosovo: Shots fired near NATO patrol amid tensions

Northern Kosovo has seen weeks of mounting ethnic tensions between local ethnic Serbs and Kosovar authorities.

Kosovo parliament speaker Glauk Konjufca (left), President Vjosa Osmani (center) and Prime Minister Albin Kurti

Kosovo parliament speaker Glauk Konjufca (left), President Vjosa Osmani (center) and Prime Minister Albin Kurti

Kosovo formally applies for EU membership

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti submitted his country's application for European Union membership.

Local Serbs block the road near the village of Rudare, north of Serb-dominated part of ethnically divided town of Mitrovica, Kosovo on Sunday

Local Serbs block the road near the village of Rudare, north of Serb-dominated part of ethnically divided town of Mitrovica, Kosovo on Sunday

Kosovo sees overnight violence amid political uncertainty

A spat over the banning of Serbian license plates has once again resulted in violence.

A general view of the scene as security forces take measures nearby the Municipal Elections Commission office on the northern bank of the Ibar river of Mitrovica, the northern city of Kosovo

A general view of the scene as security forces take measures nearby the Municipal Elections Commission office on the northern bank of the Ibar river of Mitrovica, the northern city of Kosovo

Kosovo delays local election in Serbian majority areas

Amid rising tensions, Kosovo's president said the vote would be pushed to April to have observers monitor the election.

Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri celebrated goals against Serbia in 2018 with Albanian "eagle" gestures

Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri celebrated goals against Serbia in 2018 with Albanian "eagle" gestures

World Cup 2022: Controversy as Serbia meet Switzerland again

Serbia face Switzerland on Friday for a place in the final 16, in a fixture with a political edge.

Serbia's players greet their fans at the end of the World Cup group G soccer match between Brazil and Serbia

Serbia's players greet their fans at the end of the World Cup group G soccer match between Brazil and Serbia

World Cup: FIFA investigating Serbia FA for nationalist flag

FIFA has launched an investigation into a nationalistic flag hung in the Serbian dressing room.

Cars with Kosovan and Serbian license plates

Cars with Kosovan and Serbian license plates

Kosovo and Serbia reach deal to end license plate row — EU

The EU's foreign policy chief has announced the end of a dispute that the bloc feared could have ended in violence.

Josep Borrell meets with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti

Josep Borrell meets with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti

EU fails to resolve Serbia-Kosovo license plate row

No progress in talks involving the EU's top diplomat and the Serbian and Kosovo leaders amid rising tensions.

Serb police officers took off their uniforms in the town of Zvecan, Kosovo

Serb police officers took off their uniforms in the town of Zvecan, Kosovo

Kosovo Serbs to quit state jobs over license plate row

Kosovo wants the Serb minority to swap Serbian-issued plates for locally registered ones, part of an ongoing dispute.

Germany's Annalena Baerbock attends Western Balkans conference in Berlin

Germany's Annalena Baerbock attends Western Balkans conference in Berlin

Baerbock hails West Balkan free-movement steps

Germany's top diplomat says West Balkan states are moving toward EU accession by facilitating a common regional market.

A heating plant in Gjakova, Kosovo, surrounded by a green field

A heating plant in Gjakova, Kosovo, surrounded by a green field

Kosovo opens first biomass heating plant

A new biomass heating plant in the Kosovar district of Gjakova is a novelty in the Balkans — and a model for the region.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti

EU declares settlement in Serbia-Kosovo ID spat

The European Union has declared a solution just days before Kosovo was set to introduce measures.

NATO troops in Kosovo

NATO troops in Kosovo

Serbia warns NATO over safety of Kosovo Serbs

Serbia's president has called on peacekeepers to "do their job" to protect the Serb minority in the breakaway province.

Ethnic Serbs walk through barricades near the northern Kosovo border crossing of Jarinje on the ninth day of protest on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021

Ethnic Serbs walk through barricades near the northern Kosovo border crossing of Jarinje on the ninth day of protest on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021

EU talks do not resolve Serbia-Kosovo rift

Serbian President Aleksander Vucic and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not reach a deal.

NATO chief Jens Soltenberg and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic shaking hands in front of NATO and Serbian flags

NATO chief Jens Soltenberg and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic shaking hands in front of NATO and Serbian flags

Stoltenberg: NATO ready to preserve peace in Kosovo

Belgrade and Pristina are due to hold talks amid rising tensions, with NATO boosting its presence in Kosovo's north.

A view of an empty street after Kosovo on August 1, 2022

A view of an empty street after Kosovo on August 1, 2022

Kosovo delays border measures amid Serbia tensions

The EU invited both sides to Brussels for talks after Pristina wanted to introduce new rules for its border crossing.

Members of the KFOR peacekeeping force patrol the area near the border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia in Jarinje, Kosovo, October 2, 2021

Members of the KFOR peacekeeping force patrol the area near the border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia in Jarinje, Kosovo, October 2, 2021

Kosovo closes two border crossings with Serbia

Kosovo Police say they shut the Bernjak and Jarinje border crossings due to roadblocks by Serb protesters.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti shake hands after a news conference in Pristina

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti shake hands after a news conference in Pristina

Kosovo to apply for EU membership by the end of 2022

Kosovo's membership bid would face major hurdles, as five EU countries do not recognize it as an independent state.

Kosovo War veterans protest as they ask for a pension rise in front of the parliament building

Kosovo War veterans protest as they ask for a pension rise in front of the parliament building

Kosovo police clash with war veterans outside parliament

The veterans, who are demanding higher pensions, had been trying to enter parliament.

Chinese products in Kosovan markets

Chinese products in Kosovan markets

How Chinese products are flooding Kosovan markets

Chinese products are everywhere in Kosovo but some traders say the imports are hurting local manufacturing.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (r) and Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic (l) during a press conference in Berlin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (r) and Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic (l) during a press conference in Berlin

Germany's Scholz: 'Western Balkans belong in Europe'

The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss prospects for joining the EU.

China | Bitcoin Farm

China | Bitcoin Farm

Pulling the plug on crypto miners

Crypto mining is energy intensive. In Kosovo, it has led to power blackouts across the country.

A police stop sign at the Merdare border crossing between Serbia and Kosovo

A police stop sign at the Merdare border crossing between Serbia and Kosovo

Kosovo blocks Serbian ballots ahead of referendum

Lawmakers passed a resolution to keep ethnic Serbs from voting on the Serbian reform while on Kosovar soil.

Family members and relatives gather at the general hospital in the city of Peja after three teenagers were shot in a bus

Family members and relatives gather at the general hospital in the city of Peja after three teenagers were shot in a bus

Gunman fires on bus in Kosovo, teenagers killed

At least three people died when a gunman fired at a bus in Kosovo. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear.

DW Euromaxx | Petrit Halilaj

DW Euromaxx | Petrit Halilaj

Petrit Halilaj explores war in his art

The work of the Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj draws from his experiences of war as a child.

Kosovan boxer Bashkim Bajoku

Kosovan boxer Bashkim Bajoku

Challenges of being an athlete from Kosovo

Kosovar athletes are known worldwide and perform at the highest level, but politics can prevent them from competing.