The Serbian Ministry of Health has announced a new job competition for 300 positions in parallel Serbian institutions in Kosovo, raising concerns about the political and administrative influence of Serbia in the region.
According to the Ministry, the recruitment will cover 300 new positions in Serbian healthcare institutions in Kosovo and Metohija, while an earlier announcement on December 22 opened 50 additional positions, bringing the total to 350 new jobs in the Serbian-run healthcare system.
“These new jobs aim to strengthen the presence and survival of our people in these areas,” the Ministry statement reads, praising President Aleksandar Vučić for allegedly showing “clear care” for the Serbian population in Kosovo.
Critics argue that these moves reflect continued attempts by Belgrade to maintain parallel structures in Kosovo, undermining Kosovo’s sovereignty and institutional authority. The recruitment is also viewed as political maneuvering ahead of local elections, echoing Vučić’s previous promise to hire 400 Serbs in parallel healthcare institutions before the October municipal elections.
The Ministry further stated that in the second half of January, 700 medical and non-medical staff will be employed following a previously conducted competition. In total, over the past three years, more than 1,500 people have been employed in Serbian-run healthcare structures in Kosovo and Metohija, according to Belgrade’s reports.
Observers warn that such practices exacerbate tensions in the region and raise questions about the legality and legitimacy of Serbia’s parallel administrative presence in Kosovo.
“Instead of investing in cooperation with Kosovo institutions, Vučić continues to entrench Serbian control through parallel structures, politicizing essential services like healthcare,” said regional analysts.
