During the presentation of Serbia’s strategic plan “Serbia 2030,” Aleksandar Vučić discussed a range of topics—from robot dogs to AI leadership, from Iran’s conflict to pensions and salaries—but Kosovo received only a brief and general mention. Despite announcing increased investment in education and healthcare, Vučić did not address the imminent implementation of the controversial Law on Foreigners, which is expected to create major challenges for the Serbian community in Kosovo.
Kosovo Gets Only a Passing Mention
According to Danas, Vučić addressed Kosovo “as clearly and briefly as possible.” He emphasized its status as an autonomous province within Serbia, referencing the Serbian constitution and UN resolutions. Vučić framed dialogue as the only way to resolve problems:
“We do not want conflicts, we do not want wars. Conversation, conversation, conversation. We will strengthen investments in education and healthcare. Financial support for each of our compatriots in Kosovo and Metohija will be increased,” he stated.
However, Vučić did not address the pressing challenges posed by the Law on Foreigners, which comes into effect in less than a week. This law is widely viewed as a turning point for Kosovo Serbs, particularly in areas of education and healthcare, as it could restrict movement, employment, and access to public services.
Ignored Issues at the University in Kosovo
The presentation also omitted discussion of ongoing tensions at the University of Pristina (temporarily located in Kosovska Mitrovica). The university’s leadership has reportedly pressured the Faculty of Technical Sciences to relocate or negotiate building-use agreements, a step that could disrupt education for the Serbian community.
Analysis: Kosovo Is No Longer a Priority in Belgrade
Zoran Savić of the NGO Aktiv told Danas that the omission of critical issues for Serbs in Kosovo highlights a broader political reality: Kosovo is no longer a strategic priority for the Serbian government.
“For some time now, the topic of Kosovo has been systematically pushed into the background, while government energy is focused primarily on maintaining power. Ironically, Kosovo is now discussed more in the context of student initiatives and citizen protests than through government policy,” Savić said.
Savić also warned that there is no serious public debate on key policies affecting Kosovo Serbs, including the implementation of the Law on Foreigners or new vehicle regulations. This reinforces a perception that decisions about the future of Kosovo Serbs are being made without dialogue or strategic planning.
Voices of Concern from the Serbian Community
Milija Biševac, president of the Serbian National Movement, echoed these concerns, noting that Vučić’s statements were largely general and offered little concrete guidance on the everyday problems facing Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.
“The lack of discussion on the Law on Foreigners and the situation at the university fosters a sense among the community that they are being abandoned and left without protection. This has understandably fueled concerns that these developments may already be part of agreements, such as the Ohrid Agreement, previously signed without public debate,” Biševac said.
Implications
The omission of Kosovo-related issues from the “Serbia 2030” plan underscores a shift in governmental priorities. While domestic concerns like AI, technology, and pensions receive detailed attention, the pressing needs of Serbs in Kosovo are relegated to the margins. Analysts and community leaders argue that this silence could weaken the resilience of local communities, exacerbate tensions, and erode trust between Belgrade and Kosovo Serbs.
“Perhaps that is why there is no clear response to new laws and policies from Pristina that directly impact our people,” Savić concluded.
This development signals a potential recalibration of Belgrade’s approach to Kosovo—moving from an active political focus to more of a background issue in long-term strategic planning, raising questions about the security and political status of Kosovo Serbs in the coming years.
