Kosovo authorities have taken control of a sports hall in Leposaviq, which previously operated under Serbia’s system, continuing efforts to shut down what Pristina considers illegal parallel institutions.
The move was carried out by local officials with support from the Kosovo Police. Deputy Mayor of Leposaviq, Marina Bogojević, told Radio Free Europe that the hall’s purpose will remain the same and will be available for use by the public as before.
Part of a Broader Crackdown on Parallel Serbian Institutions
This action is part of a broader initiative that began in early 2024, through which Kosovo authorities have shut down dozens of Serbian-run institutions across the country. These include temporary municipal bodies, the Serbian postal service, banks, pension and health funds, social work centers, public enterprises, and cultural organizations.
In May, authorities in North Mitrovica also took over another sports hall. They assured the public that the facility would remain operational and that usage could be arranged through local officials.
The Serb List, the main Serb political party in Kosovo backed by Belgrade, condemned the recent takeover in Leposaviq. The party accused the government of acting with the help of “Serbs who serve the interests of [Kosovo Prime Minister] Albin Kurti.”
Reactions from Serbia and the EU
Serbia’s Office for Kosovo also reacted, claiming that the facility was funded entirely by the Serbian government and had served hundreds of children and students, including those from the Faculty of Physical Education.
Meanwhile, the European Union warned in mid-May that such actions could increase tensions on the ground and harm Kosovo’s international image. The EU called on both Kosovo and Serbia to implement the 2023 Agreement on the Path to Normalization, including the creation of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities.
“Normalization of relations is a key condition on the European path for both sides,” the EU emphasized.
