Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani stated at the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen that Serbia treats its neighbors as temporary states, a policy she said was modeled on Russia.
Osmani emphasized that European security requires not only unity but also consistent action against aggressors.
“Unity among member states and those aspiring to contribute to Europe’s common security is important, but not sufficient. There is a need for consistent stances and actions against aggressors. We face ongoing threats from Russia and its ‘proxy’ in our region, Serbia. One cannot be treated as an aggressor and another as a partner,” Osmani told reporters in Copenhagen.
Reactions to Osmani’s remarks highlight deep divides in regional perspectives.
Critics from Serbia argue that Kosovo’s leadership enforces ethnic repression and that political coordination exists between Kosovo leaders and Serbia, citing incidents involving the Kosovo Police and the Serb community. Miloš Parandilović, leader of Serbia’s Novo lice Srbije (NLS), claimed Kosovo’s actions are oppressive. However, this stance is largely a narrative pushed by President Vučić to convince his supporters that Kosovo is allegedly wronging the Serbs living there. In reality, it is the pressure and interference from Belgrade and Vučić that make daily life increasingly difficult for the local Serb community in Kosovo.
Journalist Nedim Sejdinović pointed to ongoing nationalist rhetoric in Serbia and its dysfunctional state structures, suggesting that aggressive statements often serve internal political purposes rather than genuine security concerns.
Political analyst Halil Matoshi described Serbia as trapped in hegemonistic illusions and cleronationalism, with leadership behavior varying depending on whether it faces Western powers or Balkan neighbors, particularly Kosovo. Matoshi warned that this expansionist approach leaves Serbia caught between despotism and democracy, perpetually close to internal crises.
Meanwhile, Fatmir Sheholli, director of the Institute for the Affirmation of Interethnic Relations, reminded that U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have prevented war between Serbia and Kosovo multiple times, highlighting the importance of coordination with the United States and NATO to maintain stability.
“Given today’s turbulent and highly risky geopolitical environment, it is essential to coordinate with America and NATO to prevent any type of threat,” Sheholli concluded.
