Opinions of Serbs in - Kosovo Foundation for Open Societykfos.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Reconecting... · Regarding the problems of Albanian citizens living south of Ibar, Serbs

1

Opinions of Serbs in northern Kosovo

Mosaic of hope, challenges and expectations

2

Authors:

Marko UljarevićAna DelićKatarina JovanovićSvetlana Logar

The opinions, findings and/or conclusions do not necessarily reflect the views of Kosovo Foundation for Open Society and Open Society Foundation, Serbia.

Publisher:

Kosovo Foundation for Open SocietyImzot Nikë Prela br. 1310 000 Priština, Kosovo

More information on: www.kfos.org

The survey and publication of this study were supported by Kosovo Foundation forOpen Society and Open Society Foundation, Serbia.

August, 2014.

Kosovo Foundation for Open Society; Open Society Foundation, Serbia.

3

Perception of the Current Situation and Future Expectations 5

Brussels Agreement 23 Connecting 43

Confidence in Public Figures and Institutions – Potential Ambassadors of Connecting 77

Key Findings 93

Methodology 94

Content

4

Opinions of Serbs in northern Kosovo?

5


PERCEPTION OF THE CURRENT SITUATION AND FUTURE EXPECTATIONS

• The majority of Serbian citizens from municipalities of northern Kosovo is dissatisfied with the existing situation, and is pessimistic regarding their prospects for the future.

• The majority of citizens consider the quality of life in their own municipalities in the north of Kosovo as equally bad as the quality in Kosovo in the south of Ibar, but pessimism about the future is considerably higher regarding Kosovo in general, than it is when it comes to the municipalities of northern Kosovo where they live.

• The most pessimistic ones are the citizens of Mitrovica, both in terms of the direction in which their municipality is heading and in terms of Kosovo in general.

• Citizens from municipalities in northern Kosovo are more concerned about economic issues rather than political ones (except for Mitrovica where citizens are more concerned about the problems regarding the political situation than about economic problems), but when it comes to reasons for the poor quality of life, the significance of the political situation considerably increases.

• Economic problems are still perceived as dominant reasons for the poor quality of life, but, issues regarding political situation are mentioned more frequently in the context of poor quality of life than they were cited as problems that mostly trouble citizens. Citizens of Mitrovica and Zvecan stress political problems more often than economic ones as the leading reasons for their low quality of life. Citizens of Zubin Potok emphasize economic problems more often, but political problems are cited more often than they were mentioned as problems that the citizens are most concerned about.

• Serbs from northern Kosovo consider economic problems as prevailing in Kosovo in the south of Ibar, as well, and thus, economic problems could be considered as a “connecting” point in the lives of ordinary citizens, whereas political problems are mainly associated with the municipalities in the north of Kosovo.

• Despite the perception of economic problems as the dominant problems of ordinary citizens, both in municipalities in the north of Kosovo and in those in the south of Ibar, the majority of citizens of Mitrovica and Zvecan think that the quality of life of Serbs in Kosovo can be good even if Albanians from Kosovo live desolately, while the citizens of Zubin Potok and Leposavic are divided on the matter.

• Citizens from northern Kosovo see responsibility for the situation in the north of Kosovo and in Kosovo in the south of Ibar as two almost independent issues. Citizens ascribe responsibility for the situation in their municipalities primarily to local leaders of their own nationality and to authorities in Belgrade, while for the situation in the south of Ibar they ascribe responsibility to the authorities in Pristina.

• A very small percentage of citizens think that citizens themselves are responsible for such a situation because they do not participate enough in political life. According to citizens, ordinary people can have no influence on the situation, because the decisions are made in Brussels, Belgrade, and Pristina, which are out of their reach.

6


The majority of citizens of Serbian nationality from municipalities in the north of Kosovo are dissatisfied with the existing situation, and they are pessimistic regarding their future.

Approximately two thirds of Serbs from the north of Kosovo (69%) think that the quality of life of ordinary people in the four municipalities of northern Kosovo is poor and about one third of them (31%) think that quality of life is good. Citizens consider similarly the quality of life of Albanian citizens living in the south of Ibar - approximately one third of citizens (32%) think that quality of life is good, while others either think that the quality of life is poor (44%) or they were not able (or willing) to assess it (24%). The average grade for the quality of life of Serbs from the north of Kosovo is just somewhat below the assessed quality of life of Albanians living in the south of Ibar (average grades 4.5 and 5.1 respectively)1. (Figure 1.1)

Figure 1.1: Assessment of the quality of life of citizens living in municipalities in north of Kosovo and of citizens of albanian nationality living in the south of ibar

All things considered, how would you consider the quality of life of ordinary citizens in your municipality? And how would you consider the quality of life of ordinary Albanian citizens living in the south of Ibar? Assessment scale: 1 to 10. Base: Total target population

However, citizens are much more pessimistic regarding the direction in which Kosovo in general is heading, than regarding the future of their municipalities. Although the majority of citizens are pessimistic regarding the direction in which their municipalities are heading (62% think that things in their municipalities are heading in the wrong direction), as much as 15% more believe that Kosovo is heading in the wrong direction (77%). (Figure 1.2)

1 T test for paired samples=5.124, df=476, p<0.001)

7


Figure 1.2: Assesment of direction towards which things are heading in the municipalities of northern Kosovo and Kosovo in general

Generally, would you say that things in your municipality are heading in the right or wrong direction? If you think about Kosovo for a moment, would you say that things in Kosovo are heading in the right or wrong direction? Base: Total target population

The most pessimistic of all are the citizens of northern Mitrovica, both regarding the direction in which their municipality is heading and the direction in which is heading Kosovo in general. It is interesting, though, that when it comes to citizens of Zubin Potok, who are the most optimistic regarding the direction in which their municipality is heading, the biggest gap is found between the direction in which their municipality is heading and the direction of Kosovo in general: as much as 24% more of them think that things in Kosovo are heading in the wrong direction then they think when it comes to their municipality. (Figure 1.3)

8


Figure 1.3: Percentage of citizens who think that things in the municipalities of northern Kosovo and Kosovo in general are heading in the wrong direction

The citizens are much more concerned with economic problems than with political ones. Almost a half of citizens (47%) spontaneously mentioned economic problems as the most important ones in their municipality, while 24% mentioned political problems. (Figure 1.4)

Among economic problems, unemployment is the most frequently mentioned problem (40%), while additional 7% specify poor living standard, poverty and the economy in general. Among political problems, citizens most frequently name security and freedom of movement (12%), while only 6% mention the implementation of Brussels Agreement. It seems that citizens are much more concerned about economic situation, primarily unemployment, than about political situation, including security. (Figure 1.4)

Besides economic problems, 14% of citizens also prioritize other problems that they face in their everyday life (infrastructure is the main problem for 10% of citizens, and health care and education are the main problems for 4% of citizens). Lastly, only 5% of citizens perceive crime, corruption and violation of law as the most important problem. (Figure 1.4)

9


Figure 1.4: Main problems of citizens in the municipalities of northern Kosovo

What is the most important problem in your municipality, the problem that you personally are most concerned about? – SPONTANEOUS RESPONSES. Base: Total target population

However, this general picture of problems concerning citizens of northern Kosovo changes considerably among Serbs who live in Mitrovica. Serbs who live in Mitrovica are primarily concerned with political situation. As much as 43% of Serbs from Mitrovica specify some problems associated with political situation, while only 27% of them mention problems associated with economic situation. In that respect, Serbs from Mitrovica differ the most from citizens of Zubin Potok, among which 63% prioritize problems from the sphere of economic situation, while just 7% mention political issues. It is worth mentioning that security and freedom of movement as main problems are mentioned by as much as 25% of citizens who live in northern part of Mitrovica, while in other municipalities between 5% and 6% of citizens mention this problem. As much as 13% of citizens of Mitrovica specify the implementation of Brussels Agreement as the problem they are most concerned about, while it is mentioned by only 7% of citizens in Zvecan, 3% in Leposavic, and not mentioned at all in Zubin Potok. Lastly, compared to citizens in Leposavic and Zubin Potok, citizens of Zvecan also mention political problems more often as compared to economic problems. (Figure 1.5)

5% corruption, crime, implementation of laws

47% unemployment and economy

24% problems associated with political situation and Brussels Agreement

14% infrastructure, health care, education

10


Figure 1.5: Main problems of citizens in the municipalities of northern Kosovo

What is the most important problems in your municipality, the problem that you personally are most concerned about? – SPONTANEOUS RESPONSES. Base: Total target population

Such assessment of general situation in the north of Kosovo is evident also in discussions in focus groups. Namely, citizens of this part of Kosovo generally believe that the situation in their municipalities either stagnates or is getting worse. The signing of Brussels Agreement and the changes it brings, as well as the ambiguous attitude of authorities in Belgrade towards Serbs from Kosovo and their participation in the political life in Kosovo, generate uncertainty, which our respondents mention as feelings that deeply shape their assessment of the current situation.

In-depth interviews with prominent representatives of political and economic life, confirm that the utterly adverse social situation and huge number of unemployed are the biggest problems that the citizens in this part of Kosovo face. In their opinion, the fact that Trepca mine is out of operation, as well as the fact that production doesn’t exist in any form whatsoever, are main causes for such a situation. They generally agree that one of the most important sources of income is state administration, and they fear that the already harsh economic situation will become even worse when financing from Serbia ceases.

Regarding the problems of Albanian citizens living south of Ibar, Serbs from the north of Kosovo perceive economic situation as their main problem as well (45%). One out of ten mention crime and corruption as the main problem, while only 6% see the main problem in the domain of politics, primarily related to Albanian politics towards Serbs. It is conspicuous that more than one third of Serbs from the north of Kosovo either could not or did not want to state their opinion about the main problem of the Albanian citizens living south of Ibar. (Figure 1.6)

11


Figure 1.6: The main problem of citizens of albanian nationality in Kosovo according to the assessment of citizens of Serbian nationality from the municipalities in the north of Kosovo

In your opinion, what is the most important problem of citizens of Albanian nationality living south of Ibar? – SPONTANEOUS RESPONSES. Base: Total target population

Unemployment and poor economic situation, followed by various aspects of political situation are mentioned most frequently as main reasons for the poor quality of life of Serbs living in the municipalities of northern Kosovo. In this respect as well, unemployment and economic problems are dominant over political circumstances, but political circumstances are mentioned more frequently than it was the case when respondents were asked to specify problems that they are the most concerned about. Almost a half of citizens, 45%, mention economic reasons (among which unemployment is dominant as it is mentioned by 30%), while political reasons are mentioned by approximately one third of citizens, 32%. (Figure 1.7)

It is worth mentioning, however, that almost one third of citizens (10% out of 32%) who think that political situation is the main reason for poor quality of life, mention problems related to local politics within Serbian municipalities (incompetent local authorities and political leaders - 7%, priority of personal and party interests - 3%); 13% mention general political situation (without concrete specification), while only 6% mention security and tensions, instability of situation, and 2% mention politics of the „west“ and Albanians (including “seized territory”, „occupation“). (Figure 1.7)

12


Figure 1.7: Main reasons for poor quality of life in the municipalities of northern Kosovo

In your opinion, what is the most important reason due to which the quality of life of citizens in your municipality is not better? - SPONTANEOUS RESPONSES. Base: Citizens who evaluated quality of life with grades below 8 (87% of target population)

Again, citizens of Mitrovica, see reasons for poor quality of life primarily in political, rather than in economic circumstances. In comparison to citizens from other municipalities they mention general political situation more often (21%) and security and tensions (13%) as main reasons for poor quality of life. Political factors in this context are dominant when it comes to citizens of Zvecan as well: 17% mention political situation in general, but a higher percentage of them mention problems of local authorities (12%) rather than problems of security and tensions (5%). It is worth noting that citizens of Zubin Potok mention political situation more frequently as the reason for poor quality of life than they mentioned political situation among the most important problems of northern Kosovo. (Figure 1.8)

13


Figure 1.8: Main reason for poor quality of life in the municipalities of northern Kosovo

In your opinion, what is the most important reason due to which the quality of life of citizens in your municipality is not better? - SPONTANEOUS RESPONSES. Base: Citizens who evaluated the quality of life with grades below 8 (87% of target population)

The majority of respondents who participated in focus group discussions think that unemployment is the source of all other problems in their municipalities. This is reflected in the fact that the problem of unemployment was a dominant topic during discussions, and participants spontaneously returned to the problem in the context of other living conditions in the north of Kosovo. Younger respondents associate these problems primarily with nepotism and the necessity to be part of political party as a prerequisite for finding a career job. Together with unemployment, respondents usually mentioned poor economic situation and lack of labor rights (illegal work in gray and black markets). Although our respondents are mainly used to a perennial instable security situation in their municipality and they do not spontaneously mention it as a problem of everyday life, the majority still points out that this is one of the main problems that must be solved in order to continue life in this part of Kosovo. Corruption is one of the most frequently mentioned problems as it hinders citizens’ everyday life with its ubiquity. Due to corruption, numerous investments aimed at the improvement of quality of life were lost without a trace. Serbs from northern Kosovo see economy as the main reason for poor quality of life of Albanians living south of Ibar. Economic problems were mentioned by 44% of citizens as main reasons for poor quality of life of Albanians living south of Ibar, while only 13% mentioned the regime, politicians and bad politics. A considerable percentage of citizens mention corruption and crime (14%). (Figure 1.9)

42% 12% 22% 34%

14


Figure 1.9: Main reasons for poor quality of life of citizens of albanian nationality living in Kosovo in the south of ibar according to the assessment of serbs living in the municipalities of northern Kosovo

In your opinion, what is the most important reason due to which the quality of life of citizens of Albanian nationality living in Kosovo in the south of Ibar is not better? – SPONTANEOUS RESPONSES. Base: Citizens who evaluated the quality of life of citizens of Albanian nationality living south of Ibar with grades below 8 (54% of target population)

Despite the perceived similarity in economic problems, and problems of crime and corruption as reasons for poor quality of life, both in municipalities of northern Kosovo and in the south of Ibar, the majority of the citizens living in northern Kosovo agree that Serbs from Kosovo could live well even if Albanians lived badly. Nevertheless, almost 40% of citizens disagree with such an opinion. The biggest concurrence with such an opinion is registered in Mitrovica and Zvecan (where as much as 70% of citizens share this opinion), while the smallest concurrence is registered in Zubin Potok (somewhat more than a half of citizens - 52% disagree with this opinion) and Leposavic (where 44% of citizens disagree with this opinion). (Figure 1.10)

42% 12% 22% 34%

47%

13%

14%

15


Figure 1.10: Concurrence with the attitude that serbs from Kosovo could live well even if albanians lived badly

To what extent do you agree with the following statement: Serbs and Albanians from Kosovo live completely separate lives and the quality of life of Serbs in Kosovo could be good even if Albanians from Kosovo lived badly? Base: Total target population

56

47

42

70

71

39

52

44

29

19

Total

Zubin Potok

Leposavić

Mitrovica

Zvečan

Agree Disagree

Focus group discussions support these findings pertaining to the perception of life of Albanians from Kosovo. Serbs from the north of Kosovo who participated in focus group discussions think that Albanians and Serbs share same destiny (having same problems with unemployment, living standards, corruption, crime, big differences between social classes…) but they think that security is a considerably smaller problem for Albanians because they live in a state in which they are the majority population, and thus their future is guaranteed. Although Serbs think that problems of their Albanian co-citizens are almost as identical as theirs, they don’t perceive such a situation as a possible point of connection.

„It depends where they live. In towns they live better and they have more opportunities. Their situation isn’t “a land of milk and honey” either. I talked with young Albanians from Pristina, Ora-hovac, Prizren. I also talked with young people living in villages and studying in towns. They say that their life hasn’t improved. They have people at the top, regardless of how they came at the top, and ordinary, marginalized people. I am sorry to say that, but their young people are much more interested in work. Our people do not want to volunteer, first of all they ask how much they will be paid.“

Our respondents, prominent representatives of Serbian community in the north of Kosovo, completely agree with ordinary citizens that Albanians living in the south of Ibar have a very difficult life when it comes to economy and unemployment. Compared to ordinary citizens, they accentuate to a much higher extent that economic situation in Serbian municipalities is better compared to economic situation in the south of Ibar. According to them, this fact is precisely the discouraging reason towards integration in Kosovo society, since they believe that Kosovo is not capable to cope with economic problems in a foreseeable future.

42% 12% 22% 34%

16


Nevertheless, when it comes to objective information, prominent representatives of Serbs from northern Kosovo believe that the biggest problem is among young people who do not have any interaction with Albanians in Kosovo.

„Their situation is even worse, terrible. They rarely work, and physical workers earn 5, 6, 7 euro’s a day. One works somewhere for 22 days and earns 120 euro’s. If you think that there is a big gap between the poor and the rich in Serbia, this gap is 5 times as big in Kosovo.“ – Businessman

Finally, the assessment of problems whose solution would contribute the most towards the improvement of quality of life in municipalities of northern Kosovo, which were proposed on the list, mainly coincide with spontaneously mentioned reasons for poor quality of life. In Leposavic and Zubin Potok economic problems absolutely dominate (creation of new jobs, better living standards and reduction of poverty (61% respectively 63%). In Mitrovica, an equal proportion of citizens mention security and the freedom of movement (27%), and solution of economic problems (27%). However, in Zvecan, considerably more citizens name crime in this context then they do it spontaneously. When prompted, they also name human rights, although those were not spontaneously mentioned at all. An equal percentage of citizens of Zvecan mention solution to the problem of crime (31%) and economic problems (33%), but as much as 19% believe that the improvement of human rights would contribute the most to better quality life in their municipality. (Figure 1.11)

17


Figure 1.11: The problem whose solution would contribute the most towards the improvement of quality of life in the municipalities of northern Kosovo

Now I would like you to think again about life in your municipality and tell me which of the problems from this list you consider as MOST IMPORTANT for the improvement of quality of life in your municipality? – SELECT ONE PROBLEM FROM THE LIST

Our participants in focus groups expressed an ambivalent attitude towards the change of situation in their locality. Namely, a majority of citizens in these municipalities do not see cooperation with authorities in Pristina in a positive light, and they perceive this cooperation as integration in the Kosovo state system (they principally see Brussels Agreement as a means for this integration), because there is a general resistance towards cooperation with Albanians, and they are already used to the current system of functioning (double sources of income, nonpayment of water and electricity bills…). However, a number of our respondents, after an initial attitude that integration in Kosovo institutions is out of the question, agree after all, that the current situation (lawlessness, parallel institutions, unregistered vehicles, the “might makes right” rule according to which citizens live in Serbian municipalities…) is not feasible, and thus something will have to be done for the sake of overall prosperity.

18


„Changes wouldn’t suit those who receive double salaries.”

“I would be satisfied with a status quo. I wouldn’t have to pay for vehicle registration and similar things.”

“We didn’t pay for water and electricity, but what kind of life were we living?”

Despite such assessment of the situation, Serbs from the north of Kosovo still express willingness to stay there and do whatever is necessary to improve the quality of their life and make things right in Kosovo. Even when they claim that they would leave Kosovo, they do not mention any specific situation in the north of Kosovo (destroyed infrastructure, interethnic intolerance, status of Serbs as minority, instable security situation), but they say that the main reasons for such a decision would be poor economic situation and unemployment – so they generally do not choose Serbia as a possible destination country but mainly the richer EU countries and countries from the region.

The majority of leaders from political and economic life in the north of Kosovo advocate, at least declaratively, for the change of situation in which Serbs from the north of Kosovo live. They consider the change to be necessary, because the current situation is not sustainable. The question that divides the opinions of prominent persons is the direction towards which this change should evolve. While for some of them the only acceptable solution for Serbian population is autonomy that would provide a special status to these areas and a direct connection with homeland, for a small part of them integration into Kosovo society and maximum use of rights of a constituent people is inevitable.

Citizens ascribe the responsibility for the situation in the north of Kosovo and in Kosovo in the south of Ibar almost independently from one another. Citizens in the north of Kosovo primarily ascribe responsibility for the situation in their municipalities to local leaders of their own nationality (40%) and to authorities in Belgrade (32%), and to Pristina authorities (79%) for the situation in Kosovo in the south of Ibar. Only 9% of citizens ascribe responsibility for the situation in the north of Kosovo to Pristina, and merely 1% ascribes responsibility for the situation in the south of Ibar to authorities in Belgrade. Only 5% hold EULEX responsible for the situation in the north, and 1% for the situation in the south of Ibar. (Figure 1.12)

19


Figure 1.12: Who, in the eyes of the citizens, is the most responsible for the situation in their municipality and the situation in the part of Kosovo south of ibar

In your opinion, who is the most responsible for the situation in your municipality? And who is the most responsible for the situation in the part of Kosovo south of Ibar? Base: Citizens who evaluated the quality of life with grades below 8 (87% for evaluations in own municipality and 58% for evaluations in the part of Kosovo south of Ibar)

Nevertheless, a higher percentage of citizens from northern Mitrovica and Zvecan than those from Leposavic and Zubin Potok ascribe responsibility for the situation in the north of Kosovo to authorities in Pristina (approximately 15%). Also, unlike other municipalities, a higher percentage of citizens from northern Mitrovica ascribe responsibility for the situation to authorities in Belgrade (44%), than to local political leaders (27%). (Figure 1.13)

Lastly, a very small percentage of citizens think that they themselves are responsible for the situation because they do not participate enough in political life. In focus group discussions citizens pointed out that ordinary people could not do much towards changing the situation because all decisions are made in Brussels, Belgrade and Pristina, and they cannot influence these decisions in any way.

20


Figure 1.13: Who, in the eyes of citizens, is most responsible for the situation in their municipality

Who is the most responsible for the situation in your municipality? And who is the most responsible for the situation in Kosovo in the south of Ibar? Base: Citizens who evaluated the quality of life with grades below 8 (87%)

In focus group discussions it was noted that Serbs from the north of Kosovo did not perceive their own community as agents of change, but rather the authorities in Brussels, Belgrade and Pristina, whom they consider most responsible for their situation. They think that ordinary citizens cannot do much to improve their own situation, and they can only adjust to decisions made on higher levels of decision-making.

Although citizens find decision-making related to their own destiny in bigger centers of power, such as Belgrade, the majority of our respondents both from focus groups and from individual interviews express a critical attitude that a large portion of their problems in everyday life is the result of the fact that authorities in Belgrade are not familiar with local situation, so they make decisions which are harmful for Serbs in Kosovo (among those, they mention some items of Brussels Agreement, primarily the ones related to customs system).

“People up there do not know our problems here.“

Prominent representatives of political and economic life in the north of Kosovo share similar opinions with ordinary citizens that authorities in Belgrade are mostly responsible for the situation and the status of their community in Kosovo. They mainly agree that Belgrade has a decisive influence on politics in the north of Kosovo and that it is a negative phenomenon. Unlike ordinary citizens, they express a much stronger attitude towards the way in which Belgrade exercised politics towards Serbs in these areas. They mainly agree that Belgrade has turned its back on Serbs in Kosovo leaving them on their own, but the opinions are sharply divided regarding consequences of such a situation.

21


A number of prominent representatives of Serbian community express an irrational belief that in the upcoming 10 to 15 years significant changes will occur in the distribution of power on a global level, and that Serbia, primarily thanks to Russia, will be able to regain full control over Kosovo.

„This is inevitable, because when you show, not rhetorically, but de facto, that you are in focus that, which is quite unbelievable, because there is no other country in the world which gives up 20% of its territory, and our state gives it up quite easily, and now with this natural disaster that hit Serbia, we will reach a total impasse…. And the fact that we still haven’t appointed the Director of Office for Kosovo, that is also unbelievable.“ – businessman

„I know that I have been betrayed and sent down the drain, so this water somehow returned to Serbia. This is a total betrayal! They didn’t even make an effort to negotiate.“ - judge

On the other hand, a number of our respondents who are respected representatives of Serbian community, although being disappointed due to Serbia’s attitude towards their community and the prioritization of other problems, have considerably milder attitudes towards dialogue with the other party. They think that the attitude of Belgrade indicates that Serbs on this territory should be involved in the political life in Kosovo, which is the way to fight for the rights of Serbian minority.

„Serbia is on our side, but why do they put us in such a rift, and will all of us collectively be responsible if people do not vote on Parliamentary elections. Because the next time when we participate in Parlia-mentary elections we will know that Kosovo is a state, this is only an introduction, because Serbia will join Europe, and we are aware that there is an equation mark between EU membership and recogni-tion of Kosovo. The public maybe still hasn’t realized that, but little by little we will meet all conditions for EU membership, and we will become a member, and on the way we will recognize the independ-ence of Kosovo, because there are no more Serbs there. Just remember the 85% of population who acquired Kosovo citizenship. We should participate in political life and fight to defend what we can in a clever way.“ – Local administration

BRUSSELS AGREEMENT

24


25


BRUSSELS AGREEMENT

• Serbs from the north of Kosovo are aware of provisions of Brussels Agreement to a very small extent, and they mainly blame the authorities in Belgrade for this. Regardless of the fact that they are almost completely uninformed about the Agreement, the majority of citizens think that this Agreement either had no effect on their everyday life or it had a negative effect, primarily regarding the security of citizens and customs policies.

• Future dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, although assessed poorly in general, is still considered more positively than Brussels Agreement. The main benefits from this dialogue are seen in the areas that represent the biggest problem for citizens of northern Kosovo – economy and employment, which confirms that economy can be the key point of connection.

• The most positively assessed point from Brussels Agreement is the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo. Local Serbs expect that this association will solve their biggest problems, primarily related to economy, but they also fear that the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo will increase the influence of Pristina institutions towards Serbian community, and thus decreasing its integrity.

A great majority of Serbs from the north of Kosovo, that is, three fourths of them (77%), either know nothing about Brussels Agreement or they know very little. As much as 32% of citizens from this part of Kosovo think that they are not at all familiar with provisions of this agreement. A significantly higher percentage of citizens of Mitrovica (31%) and Zvecan (31%) compared to those from Leposavic (15%) and Zubin Potok (14%) think that they are familiar with Brussels Agreement. (Figure 2.1)

Figure 2.1: How familiar are citizens from the north of Kosovo with brussels agreement

How familiar would you say you are with Brussels Agreement? To what extent are you informed about what was agreed as part of this Agreement? Base: Total target population

26


A predominantly higher percentage of Serbs from the north of Kosovo (75%) mentions Serbian media as their main source of information about Brussels Agreement. All other sources of information are used to a considerably smaller extent for this purpose. The next most frequently mentioned source of information is conversations with friends or family members, which one out of five citizens of northern Kosovo mention as their source of information. A higher percentage of highly educated citizens from northern Mitrovica and those from urban areas mention this source of information as a dominant one. Local political leaders were sources of information for only 4% of Serbs from the north of Kosovo, while 5% read documents pertaining to negotiations. (Figure 2.2)

Figure 2.2: Sources of information about brussels agreement among citizens from the north of Kosovo

From which sources did you obtain information about Brussels Agreement? Multiple responses; Base: Total target population

More than a half of the Serbs from northern municipalities of Kosovo who are not completely informed about Brussels Agreement (54%) blame authorities from Belgrade claiming that they conceal from the public what was agreed. Only one out of four citizens from the north of Kosovo who are not completely informed about the Agreement (24%) think that they themselves are to blame because they did not make an effort to obtain information about that subject. (Figure 2.3)

27


Figure 2.3: Whom do serbs from northern Kosovo hold responsible for their lack to be better informed about brussels agreement

What would you say, who is the most responsible because you are not better informed about the provisions of Brussels Agreement? Base: citizens who are not completely informed about Brussels Agreement (76% of target population)

The majority of our respondents from focus groups are not familiar with the provisions of Brussels Agreement. They are familiar with only few provisions, but not with details and their actual meaning. They have the widest knowledge about provisions that are related to integrated court system and customs system, subject of their biggest concern. They mainly obtain information about the implementation of Brussels Agreement and other topics from Serbian media. A high percentage of them think that Belgrade conceals key information related to conditions that were agreed, and that the majority of provisions were agreed without consultations with them.

Prominent individuals, representatives of Serbs from the north of Kosovo with whom we conducted in-depth interviews, agree that information about Brussels Agreement is concealed from ordinary people. They are convinced that the reason for that lies in the fact that the authorities in Belgrade and local politicians want the local population to get gradually used to the fact that integration in the Republic of Kosovo is inevitable.

“For me the Brussels Agreement was not a surprise, but I see that our people from Belgrade are hesitant to reveal the entire Brussels Agreement, I don’t know why. There are things which are completely clear for people who are ready to see where all that leads, but there are also things which are revealed little by little. In my opinion they do it because of the gradual acceptance of Brussels Agreement.” – Representative of NGO sector

28


When it comes to perceived effects of Brussels Agreement, the majority of ordinary Serbs living in the north of Kosovo (56%) believe that there were no significant changes in their everyday life since the signing of the Agreement, while one third of them (36%) think that their life has become worse. Only 5% of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo state that this Agreement has brought improvements to their everyday life. On average, a significantly higher percentage of citizens of Mitrovica compared to other municipalities think that their life has become worse (53%). A higher percentage of citizens from Leposavic than from other municipalities of northern Kosovo think that there has been no changes in their everyday life (69%), while a higher percentage of citizens from Zubin Potok think that their everyday life has become better (10%). (Figure 2.4)

Figure 2.4: In which way did life of serbs living in the north of Kosovo change after the signing of brussels agreement

Has everyday life of ordinary Serbs living in municipalities of northern Kosovo changed since the signing of Brussels Agreement, or have there been no significant changes in the life of ordinary citizens? Base: Total target population

5

10

5

5

3

3

5

7

1

58

69

47

43

36

32

20

41

53

56Total

Zubin Potok

Leposavić

Zvečan

Mitrovica

Improved Don't know No significant changes Worsened

Citizens living in northern municipalities of Kosovo who believe that their everyday life has become worse since the signing of Brussels Agreement (36% of target population), usually identify this change in the area of security and rule of law (46%), followed by economy (35%), and an equal percentage of citizens mention negative effects of administrative changes (35%). (Figure 2.5)

29


Figure 2.5: Areas in which the biggest worsening took place after the signing of the brussels agreement In which areas of life do you feel the biggest decline? Multiple responses; Base: citizens who think that since the signing of the Brussels Agreement the life of ordinary people living in the northern municipalities of Kosovo has become worse (36% of target population)

Although only 5% of citizens living in the municipalities in the north of Kosovo believe that their everyday life has become better after the signing of Brussels Agreement, another 15% believe that the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in the future will contribute to the improvement of everyday life of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo. Nevertheless, the majority of Serbs from the north of Kosovo do not believe that the future will bring changes (54%), while 28% expect their everyday life to become worse. In Leposavic a significantly higher percentage of citizens compared to other municipalities state that they do not expect important changes in their everyday life (69%), and in Mitrovica and Zvecan a significantly higher percentage of citizens compared to other municipalities expect deterioration (42% and 40%). Citizens of Zubin Potok express biggest optimism regarding the outcome of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina – 22% of them think that the outcome of this dialogue will bring improvements to their lives. (Figure 2.6)

35%

46%

35%

30


Figure 2.6: In which way will the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina influence on everyday life of serbs living in the north of Kosovo

Do you think that the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in the future will contribute to the improvement or deterioration of citizens’ everyday life in the north of Kosovo, or you do not expect any changes in everyday life of the citizens? Base: Total target population

15

22

19

14

11

49

39

69

46

28

28

40

11

42

54Total

Zubin Potok

Zvečan

Leposavić

Mitrovica

It will improve Don't know I don't expect important changes in everyday life It will become worse

When we take into consideration only Serbs from the north of Kosovo who believe that the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will improve their everyday life (15%), as much as 70% expect improvements in the domain of economy (one third of them expect that this improvement will primarily be felt in the sphere of employment), and then in the area of security and rule of law (36%). (Figure 2.7)

31


Figure 2.7: Areas in which serbs from the north of Kosovo expect improvements as a result of dialogue between belgrade and pristina

In which areas of life do you expect this improvement? Multiple responses; Base: citizens who think that the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in the future will contribute to the improvement of everyday life of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo (15% of target population)

One third of citizens who expect deterioration of their everyday life as a result of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (28% of target population), believe that these changes will reflect upon all segments of society (33%), while one in four areas in which changes are expected is from the sphere of economy. (Figure 2.8).

32


Figure 2.8: Areas in which serbs from the north of Kosovo expect deterioration as a result of dialogue between belgrade and pristina

In which areas of life do you expect deterioration? Multiple responses; Base: citizens who believe that the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in the future will contribute to the deterioration of life of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo (28% of target population)

When they hear the term ‘Brussels Agreement’, the first thing that our respondents from focus group discussions think of is integration in the new Kosovo society. For them, the word integration has a negative connotation and they think that it represents the beginning of assimilation of Serbs. Due to shortage of concrete information about the Agreement, in most cases, citizens associate it with recognition of independence of Kosovo and capitulation of Belgrade to Pristina.

33


A considerable percentage of citizens are skeptical regarding genuine implementation of any agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. The majority of those who are familiar with the Agreement are concerned about some provisions (primarily the ones related to integrated court system and customs system), and they express resistance towards dialogue with Albanians from Kosovo regarding any common institutions, although they state that they are aware they must change their attitude towards problems in order to establish order and improve the quality of life.

When it comes to Brussels Agreement there is a distinct division in opinions among prominent representatives of Kosovo Serbs. Part of them thinks that this is the beginning of forced assimilation of Serbs in Kosovo society which cannot bring anything good to Serbian community in the north of Kosovo, while others think that this is a difficult and unequal but still natural course of things, which doesn’t necessarily mean the recognition of independence of Kosovo, but the only remaining legitimate form of fight for the rights of Serbian community on this territory.

“This agreement, or these agreements, because there were several of them, is an attempt to finally integrate us. There will be integration because it will be forced. I would like to mention again the fact that people here depend heavily on Serbia, and if it agrees about much worse things, it will agree to integration as well, of course. They agreed to the abolition of institutions of the Ministry of Interior, the abolition of Serbian court system. What’s an additional little integration for them…? Nothing.” – Businessman

When it comes to dialogue with Albanian side, the impression is that a smaller number of prominent people from public life of northern Kosovo municipalities categorically oppose this idea. The majority of them agree that the situation can be normalized only through dialogue with Albanians from the south, but with the exception of economic cooperation there is scarcely another area that can be considered as acceptable.

While Brussels Agreement is primarily evaluated tremendously negatively, its concretization is evaluated positively in at least some segments. Namely, one out of four Serbs from the north of Kosovo believes that the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo will have a positive impact on the quality of life (24%). The percentage of citizens who positively consider the formation of this Association considerably exceeds the percentage of those who oppose it. A higher percentage of citizens from Zubin Potok and those from rural settlements compared to other places state that the situation in the north of Kosovo will improve after the formation of this Association (34%), while a higher percentage of citizens of Zvecan (34%) and urban settlements think that the situation will deteriorate. (Figure 2.9)

34


Figure 2.9: Impact of formation of the association of Serbian municipalities on everyday life of citizens

Brussels Agreement provided for the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities. How do you expect the formation of this Association to influence everyday life of citizens? Base: Total target population

24

34

25

21

20

50

62

41

59

15

6

6

34

20

56Total

Zubin Potok

Leposavić

Zvečan

Mitrovica

It wil l improve Don't know I don't expect important changes in everyday l ife It wil l become worse

Citizens from the north of Kosovo who expect improvement of their living conditions from the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities after the implementation of this provision of Brussels Agreement primarily expect improvements in the domain of economy (24%), but also in the area of security and rule of law (28%). (Figure 2.10)

35


Figure 2.10: Areas in which serbs from the north of Kosovo expect improvements after the formation of the association of Serbian municipalities

In which areas of life do you expect improvements? Multiple responses; Base: citizens who think that the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities will improve the quality of citizens’ everyday life (24% of target population)

3421

73

213

76

210

66

53

21

42

Employment

Economy

Better standard

Economy/agriculture

More money/donations

Security

Respect of laws/judiciaryImproved security/ morerights/ freedom/ survival

Freedom of movement

Education

In all areas

Health careDecision making on local

level/ we will have ourInfrastructure

Communication/cooperation

Urban planning/building

Other

Don't know

Serbs from the north of Kosovo who think that the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities will deteriorate the quality of everyday life of ordinary citizens expect deterioration in all segments of life (32%). 16% of the Serbs from the north of Kosovo perceive the formation of this Association as loosening of connections with motherland and strengthening of influence of Pristina, and this is the most frequently mentioned concrete reason for negative assessment of this provision of Brussels Agreement.

36


Figure 2.11: Areas in which serbs from the north of Kosovo expect deterioration after the formation of the association of Serbian municipalities

In which areas of life do you expect deterioration? Multiple responses; Base: citizens who think that the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities will deteriorate the quality of citizens’ everyday life (15% of target population)

Opinions are divided regarding benefits that the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities can bring to Serbs from the north of Kosovo. Namely, part of citizens categorically refuses such an organization because they consider it as a capitulation to Pristina and consent to life within this system. For them, such a status of the community undoubtedly indicates acceptance of the fact that they are no more part of Serbia, closing the door to be independent from the rest of Kosovo ever again in the future. On the other hand, citizens who think that dialogue with Pristina, although undesirable, is still inevitable in order to improve the situation in these municipalities claim that such a form of organization of Serbs can be a cohesive factor for this community which can secure protection of citizens’ rights in this area. What both of these groups of citizens are concerned about is lack of information about the way in which this Association is supposed to function, whether its powers are as presented in media or the association will be informal in practice and will lead to a significant reduction of rights of Serbian minority. Citizens of these municipalities are also concerned about the fact that the division of power in these new communities will involve the same people who already participated in political life and did not successfully protect the rights of Serbian minority of Kosovo, which opens the door to corruption.

37


„Establishment of the Association. First of all, it has never been publicly announced what the legal status of this association would be. Albanian media and their authorities claim that this Associa-tion will be on the level of citizens’ association. And we know what its authority can be, according to Kosovo laws. If this happens, I have no comment. “

Influential representatives of political and economic life in the north of Kosovo agree that cooperation in the form of the Association of Serbian Municipalities is bad for Serbs in this area because it means acceptance of a minority status in the new state, which is strategically bad for Serbian community, but also because these are specific municipalities with different problems and needs, so there is no need to build common action plans. One of the reasons why even those leaders who advocate participation in political life in the rest of Kosovo have a negative attitude towards the formation of this association is the issue of corruption. They believe that the formation of this Association will open doors to prosperity of a small number of people without the improvement of life for the majority of ordinary citizens. The attitudes vary from such skepticism to conviction that this is a pure deception by international community, because this Association will not have legislative, executive or judicial power – which means that it will not have any powers whatsoever, but it will be one informal creation with less important administrative powers.

“The establishment of this Association of Serbian Municipalities in a proper way, which means with legislative and executive power, would create a region that would be autonomous and quite independent from the rest of Kosovo. Unfortunately I have many doubts that it will happen, because the leaders of the European Union won’t allow it regardless of how the leaders from Belgrade present it. Unfortunately I think that this will be reduced to the level of one large NGO which will only handle administrative issues and nothing else.” – Businessman

Serbs from the north of Kosovo do not expect a major improvement of life from the provisions of Brussels Agreement, but a higher percentage of citizens consider almost all provisions related to the Association of Serbian Municipalities as measures which will contribute to improvement of life, compared to those who expect no impact on the improvement of their life. The only provision related to the formation of this Association that is assessed more negatively is the one that underlines the fact that one of the obligations of this institution will be participation in the political life of Pristina. Serbs from the north of Kosovo most negatively assessed the provisions related to integrated court system and amalgamation of Serbian and Albanian security structures. (Figure 2.12)

38


2.12: Assesment of the contribution of certain provisions of brussels agreement to the improvement of life of serbs from the north of Kosovo

To what extent will specific provisions of Brussels Agreement, if properly implemented, contribute to the improvement of life of Serbs from the north of Kosovo? Base: Total target population

24

22

21

11

10

5

4

3

44

44

36

30

37

30

17

29

30

30

46

52

55

60

75

42Forming a community of Serbian municipalitiesin Kosovo and Metohija

Community of Serbian municipalities will havefull control in the areas of economic

development, education, health, urban and

Community of Serbian municipalities will havea president, vice president, parliament and

council

Community of Serbian municipalities will havea representative role in the central government

in Pristina

The signatories are committed to reaching anagreement on telecommunications and energy

Police will be unique, integrated into theKosovo Police

Members of other Serbian security structureswill be offered a place in the appropriate

structures in Kosovo

Judicial power shall be integrated into theKosovo legal system

Will contribute to a great extent Will contribute to a small extentDon't know Will not contribute at all

Figure

The majority of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo negatively assess the impact of interim agreement on the life of Serbs living in these areas. Just one out of five Serbs from the north of Kosovo expects a positive impact of the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of University Degrees between Kosovo and Serbia (18%). The impact of the Agreement on Freedom of Movement Across the Administrative Border between Kosovo and Central Serbia, according to which citizens from both sides can move freely with personal ID cards, including vehicles with Kosovo plates with the payment of appropriate insurance – is also badly assessed. As much as two thirds of Serbs from the north of Kosovo (67%) believe that this Agreement will have a negative impact on the life of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo. The agreement

39


on Registry Books and Cadastre is negatively assessed by 71% of citizens, while the Agreement on Trade in Customs Zones is rated as the most negative one – for which 83% of Serbs from the north of Kosovo believe it will have a negative impact on everyday life. (Figure 2.13)

The majority of prominent citizens in the north of Kosovo agree with the attitude of ordinary citizens that, for the time being, the example of integrated police is a positive indicator that an agreement useful for Serbs be-tween the two sides can be achieved in a peaceful way. However, a considerably higher percentage of these opinion leaders compared to ordinary citizens express doubt in the longevity of such a solution, believing that the number of Serbian policemen will gradually decrease.

„I can tell you that I am satisfied. The number of violations has decreased, a lot has been done, and the current situation is much better. When I say “much better” don’t think that it is especially good, but in comparison with the previous situation, we are starting to move from utter blackness towards the bright side. Simply, my commander of Police is not an Albanian but a Serb, 95% of Police Station is made of Serbs. So, the number of policemen is determined proportionally to the structure of popula-tion. This agreement is implemented and there are no problems. We are safer and have more trust in our police than we have in someone from the opposite side. These are the people living and working here, having families here, thinking about the security of their families. “– Businessman

Figure 2.13: Assessment of impact of interim agreements on life of serbs living in the north of Kosovo

Base: Total target population

40


The issue of agreements related to customs influences to a great extent the everyday life of ordinary citizens from the north of Kosovo. During discussions in focus groups they complain of paying double custom dues now, paying the authorities in Pristina although Kosovo is officially part of Serbia, and by initial agreement, the border with Serbia was supposed to be just an administrative one. Citizens fear most of all because of medicine which can be imported only if the company is registered in Kosovo, so the medicine is much more expensive now than it used to be before. Food imported from Serbia has also become much more expensive, and this generates great concerns among Serbs from the north of Kosovo. According to citizens, the possible good side of this aspect of the agreement is the fact that part of the money will go to the future Association of Serbian Municipalities, under the condition that this money is not embezzled and that it is used for the improvement of life of citizens living in these municipalities.

„They say that Kosovo is a part of Serbia. Whoever comes to Kosovo with any quantity of goods must go to their customs and pay a certain amount. Medicine can’t get in unless it is registered in some agency in Kosovo. Our pharmacies must be registered with them if they want to import med-icine from Serbia. Salaries will decrease and prices will increase – from medicine to basic food. “

The general attitude among prominent citizens of Serbian nationality in the north of Kosovo is that provisions of Brussels Agreement related to customs are extremely unfavorable for Serbian community. A smaller percentage of them compared to ordinary citizens mention the symbolic aspect of the introduction of customs between Serbia and the north of Kosovo. Their arguments are primarily related to the fact that, from their own experience (primarily the entrepreneurs whom we interviewed) they think that such measures are discriminatory to Serbs (value of goods is determined depending on ethnicity). They also think that such a system will be a great source of corruption because the money which will flow in the Association of Serbian Municipalities (if directed there) will go in the hands of a small number of people, not in infrastructure, education or health care, which will further weaken Serbian community. They also share the opinion with ordinary citizens that medicine and basic articles coming from Serbia will become even more expensive.

„My friend is an importer of pneumatics for cars, but Albanian customs officers in Jarinje border-crossing did not accept his export invoice from a Serbian company, but they charged him some lump sum which they thought appropriate. He complained to me that for the tire which he pays approximately 30 euro’s, he had to pay customs as if it cost 50 euro’s; I am not sure but I think that the difference is more than 15 euro’s, which is 50% more, so you see what happens.“ – Business-man

„The north with its population and 4 municipalities doesn’t have a scanner, or a color Doppler, lab-oratories do not have reagents, and why is it so? – Because of the introduction of a special customs system and imports from Serbia, as they say. Since health institutions from here are not registered according to Kosovo laws they cannot get the papers to import all what they need. This doesn’t exist there, and we don’t need it. There is no way to settle this. “– Local administration

One of the provisions of the agreement that they least know about is the energy agreement. In this area they hope to solve problems of energy supply, and the problem of jobs that is associated with exploitation of minerals and energy.

41


The provision of Brussels Agreement which the population from these areas is most concerned about and which endures biggest resistance is the one pertaining to integrated judicial system. They are concerned because they think that such a system will lead to mass arrests of Serbs, and they often mention the example of Oliver Ivanovic. Almost all our respondents think that such an organization of court system will have only negative consequences for Serbian population in Kosovo, although they think that some sort of judicial system must be introduced in order to organize a completely chaotic situation in the area of law.

„The problems I fear most are with Albanians in judicial matters, where Pristina would always decide in favor of one side. This is why a third party should be in charge of that.”

Prominent representatives of Serbian community in the north of Kosovo completely agree that the decision on integrated judicial system is bad for Serbs in this area. Although they are aware of the fact that it is necessary to introduce law and order in everyday life of Kosovo, they still think that trials will not be fair, and they fear for security and consequences that such a provision will create.

“Here they have this Kosovo law which is much more liberal than any other. Two witnesses come and report that you killed their brother, so you spend 20 years rotting in prison until they reveal the deception. This is what Serbs are worried about. We used to live with Albanians, and we know that.” – Businessman

When it comes to the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of University Degrees, the general opin-ion is that recognition of degrees does not function in practice, but that is not important because there is a small likelihood that they will find jobs in the south of Ibar, and that Albanians in the south of Serbia who study in Pristina have more benefits from this.

„My friend finished the Faculty of Law here. He should have obtained a masters degree here but he was asked to certify his diploma with Kosovo seal, and they didn’t want to recognize his Ser-bian diploma. They told him that they didn’t have an agreement with Serbia.“

„Mutual recognition of degrees means that Kosovo recognizes Serbian diplomas, but I haven’t seen such things happening.“

„I read that everything is supposed to be in our favor, that they will recognize our diplomas. Why would they recognize them when they are already recognized by our state? “

Prominent representatives of Serbian community in the north of Kosovo agree that the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of University Degrees has not even started functioning and, in reality, Serbian diplomas are not recognized in Kosovo. They express fear that diplomas from Pristina University with headquarters in Mitrovica will not be recognized in the countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Kosovo.

“As far as I know this doesn’t function at all. Pristina doesn’t recognize diplomas issued by Pristina University with headquarters in Mitrovica, but there is no problem to recognize the diploma of any private faculty like Megatrend in Serbia. This is one of the classical examples of double stand-ards because they (Kosovo authorities) have the executive power, and Serbian side doesn’t have it, so they hide behind this rhetoric.” - Businessman

42


43


CONNECTING

44


45


CONNECTING

• Serbs from the north of Kosovo see economic problems as a possible connecting point between Serbs and Albanians. However, reasons why Serbs from the north of Kosovo would not cooperate with Albanians are mainly political.

• Serbs from the north of Kosovo think that the majority of their co-citizens oppose contacts with Albanians, but according to them, the biggest obstacle to cooperation presents the authorities in Pristina.

• It is obvious that personal contact plays a very important role: Serbs from the north of Kosovo who are in personal contacts with Albanians have a more positive attitude towards Albanian people.

• There is a general distrust towards politicians and political institutions. It is reflected in the belief that connecting with Albanians would be possible primarily through community representatives with no political allegiance.

Two thirds of Serbs from the north of Kosovo (68%) believe that ordinary people from Kosovo, both Serbs and Albanians, have lots of common problems (such as unemployment and a miserable life standard, health system, education... etc.) which affect all of them equally, regardless of their nationality. (Figure 5.1)

This conviction is shared, more than usually, by citizens in rural settlements, citizens of Zubin Potok (88%) and Leposavic (80%). Namely, while a big majority of citizens agree with this statement, in Mitrovica (52%) and Zvecan (54%) opinions are divided. In Mitrovica as much as 47% of the citizens think that life problems of Serbs and Albanians are so different that they cannot be thought to affect equally both ethnic communities. (Figure 3.1)

46


Figure 3.1: Perception of problems of serbs and albanians in Kosovo

Some people say that ordinary people in Kosovo, both Serbs and Albanians, have lots of common problems (such as unemployment and a miserable life standard, health care system, education... etc.) which affect them equally regardless of nationality. Other people say that life problems of Serbs and Albanians are so different that there is not a single problem that can be thought to affect both equally. Which of these opinions is closer to your own? Base: Total target population

68

88

80

54

52

11

13

40

47

28Total

Zubin Potok

Leposavić

Zvečan

Mitrovica

Ordinary people in Kosovo, regardless of whether they are Serbs or Albanians, have many common problems that affectthem all equally, regardless of their nationality

Life problems of Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo are so different that one can not talk about the problem that equallyaffects both

Citizens of northern municipalities in Kosovo specify economic problems as problems that equally affect both Serbs and Albanians – as much as 84% of answers fall into this area. The problem that affects by far the highest percentage of citizens from both ethnic communities (49%) is unemployment. The second most frequently mentioned problem is poverty, i.e. a miserable living standard with 31% of mentions. (Figure 3.2)

Crime, as a common problem of Serbs and Albanians is mentioned by 10% of Serbs from the north of Kosovo, and 8% mention corruption. The problems related to security and respect of human rights are mentioned by one out of three citizens of northern Kosovo (31%). Problems related to political situation and unsolved infrastructural questions are considered to a lesser extent as being common to both ethnic communities (Figure 3.2)

47


Figure 3.2: Perceived problems which affect serbs and albanians equally

Thinking about the life of citizens of Serbian nationality in northern Kosovo and citizens of Albanian nationality living in southern Kosovo, do you think that there are any everyday problems that affect both of them equally Multiple responses; Base: Total target population.

?

A higher percentage of citizens of northern Mitrovica compared to those from other municipalities in the north of Kosovo think that crime (16%) and corruption are common problems of ordinary citizens from both ethnic communities, while a significantly higher percentage of citizens of Zubin Potok mention unemployment (71%), security (11%) and freedom of movement (12%) as common problems of Serbs and Albanians. (Figure 3.3)

48


Figure 3.3: Perceived problems equally affecting serbs and albanians by municipality

Thinking about the life of citizens of Serbian nationality in northern Kosovo and citizens of Albanian nationality living in southern Kosovo, do you think that there are any everyday problems that affect both of them equally? Multiple responses; Base: Total target population.

Our focus group participants also agree that ordinary citizens of both nationalities share same problems; however they consider economic situation in their municipalities as better than the one in the south of the Ibar, while they perceive the extent of safety as larger in the territory with Albanian residents. Although almost all of respondents agree that they share nearly the same problems with Albanians, they do not consider this a potential point of contact.

Some participants believe that most ordinary citizens of both nationalities actually want a peaceful cohabitation with their neighbors of other nationality, while only a small number of extremists trigger violence and prevent normalization of interethnic relationships in northern Kosovo (45%), and others believe that the situation is quite opposite and that those who boost up violence and prevent normalization of interethnic relations are not a minority (42%). (Figure 3.4)

Most of those who believe that most citizens of Kosovo, regardless of their nationality, actually want to live in peace live in Zubin Potok (67% of them agree with this statement). The highest percentage of those who disagree with the statement live in northern Mitrovica (69%). Almost a third of them (31%) absolutely disagree with this statement, believing that those who are prone to extremism and violence are not a minority at all among these two communities. (Figure 3.4)

49


Figure 3.4: Agreement with the statement that most citizens of Serbian and albanian nationality actually want a peaceful life with their neighbors of other nationality

Some people say that most ordinary citizens of either Serbian or Albanian nationality actually want a peaceful cohabitation with their neighbors of other nationality, and that only a small number of extremists trigger violence and prevent the normalization of interethnic relations in northern Kosovo. Do you agree with this opinion? Base: Total target population

Unlike bad economic situation that the majority believes to be shared by members of both ethnic communities, the highest percentage of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo think that politicians and political affairs and interests are what mostly separates Serbs who live in the north and Albanians in the south of Ibar (25%). One of these political reasons is also the declaration of independence of Kosovo, singled out by 6% as one of reasons for separation, and nationalism with another 6%. The second most frequently mentioned reason is consequences of war with 11% of citizens mentioning it, and similar reasons associated with the past, violence and hatred are mentioned by other participants as well - long-term ethnic intolerance and hatred are mentioned by 8%; terrorism, crimes and violence 5%; past divisions and conflicts 2%. As for physical barriers as the reason for separation, 9% of them indicate freedom of movement and another 1% of citizens mention the bridge and barricades. (Figure 3.5) Overwhelming cultural differences do not seem to be the reasons for difficult cohabitation - 4% of citizens living in the north of Kosovo believe that religion is one of the reasons for separation; mentality, culture and language are mentioned by 3% of them, and a general lack of understanding and non-acceptance by 5% of citizens. (Figure 3.5)

50


In Mitrovica, as compared to other settlements, most citizens agree that consequences of war are primarily the point of separation; residents of Leposavic are more likely to blame politics and nationalism; while residents of Zubin Potok believe it is freedom of movement.

Figure 3.5: Problems that separate serbs and albanians the most

Which problems do you think mostly separate Serbs living in the north and Albanians living in the south of Kosovo? Multiple responses; Base: Total target population.

Focus group findings suggest that a substantial resistance is present towards considering potential connecting with Albanians. Dialogue with Albanians is mainly observed as a political act, without initially being considered as a possibility for connection of ordinary citizens of Kosovo with the aim to facilitate and improve everyday life. The impression is that most of our participants are more likely to believe that dialogue with the other side symbolically means accepting the newly established Kosovo state and the final separation from the core, rather than being categorically against any form of cooperation with their fellow citizens of Albanian nationality.

The points of separation that focus group participants primarily single out are war and crimes and the unsettled problem of missing persons, lack of wish for sincere dialogue from the other side, but also great cultural differences, the issue of attitude towards Serbian cultural heritage, and language, which are mentioned significantly more frequently by younger participants. Namely, most young residents of northern Kosovo state that they do not know any of their peers of Albanian nationality, as well as that

51


they do not speak Albanian. Young Albanians, on the other hand, say that they do not speak Serbian, so they perceive this as an objective barrier for cooperation.

As for contacts with Albanians living in the south of Ibar, opinion leaders from Serbian communities in northern Kosovo oppose this idea significantly less than ordinary citizens, but attitudes are still not homogeneous. Namely, in-depth-interviews indicate that they all agree that Kosovo is part of Serbia de jure, and a part of new state of Kosovo de facto, and that some kind of dialogue with this new Kosovo society is inevitable in order to secure the survival of Serbian communities. What participants disagree upon is what this dialogue should be like, its volume and depth.

For most Serbs living in the north of Kosovo, the points of contact with their fellow citizens of Albanian nationality may belong first of all to the domain of economy (43%). Commerce is the most distinguished area of potential cooperation, mentioned by 15% of residents of northern Kosovo municipalities, but unemployment (11%), economic issues (11%), living standard/poverty (4%), and business interests (2%) are also mentioned. (Figure 3.6)

All other areas, including political reasons, are a lot less likely to be considered as potential points of cooperation by residents of northern Kosovo. It should also be taken into account that one in ten Serbs from Kosovo spontaneously say that cooperation with Albanians is impossible and that there is no area in which Serbs and Albanians can cooperate (10%). In addition, there is strikingly high percentage of those who say that they do not know (or refuse to answer) what the areas of potential cooperation between Serbs and Albanians might be (16%). (Figure 3.6)

Residents of Mitrovica are a lot more likely than others to believe that this might be the area of water supply and infrastructural projects.

One of topics they consider as common and as a potential foundation for future dialogue is mutual help with the issue of missing persons or the exchange of bodies of victims of war. They consider this as one of the preconditions for dialogue in other areas.

General impression is that our respondents don’t oppose individual connections between Albanians and Serbs, but that resistance exists in the sphere of symbolic cooperation, which represents ethnicity, nationality, and cooperation at the level of presenting the two cultures. It seems that ordinary citizens in northern Kosovo do not believe that co-operation which involves contacts in everyday life (trade, exchange of services, friendly contacts with individuals of Albanian ethnicity...) is unrealizable, but there is a visible resistance to such forms of cooperation that imply belonging to a nation, group events, and interactions that represent national symbols.

52


Figure 3.6: Area in which cooperation between serbs and albanians would be possible

If you were to single out one thing that you think ordinary people living in Kosovo might agree upon, be them Serbs or Albanians, and work together to solve a problem, what problem would it be? Base: Total target population

Although more than two thirds of Serbs living in northern Kosovo state that they share same problems with ordinary citizens of Albanian nationality, still, the majority (60%) believes that their everyday life is more similar to that of Serbs living in Serbia than that of Albanians south of Ibar. (Figure 3.7)

As for those who think that their situation is more similar to that of their fellow citizens of Albanian nationality, the highest percentage of them is among residents of Mitrovica (13%) and Zubin Potok (13%). (Figure 3.7)

53


Figure 3.7: Perception of similarity with the position of albanians living in Kosovo or with the position of serbs living in Serbia

Thinking globally, when you take into account all the problems that you face on a daily basis, do you think that your position is more similar to the position of ordinary Albanian citizens living in Kosovo or to the position of ordinary Serbian citizens living in Serbia? Base: Total target population

One in three Serbs who live in the north of Kosovo (30%) believes that more extensive contacts between ordinary citizens of Serbian and Albanian nationality would improve relations between these two communities. However, the majority (55%) still thinks that contacts would make no change. It should be pointed out that only 10% of citizens of northern Kosovo share an extremely negative attitude towards this type of contacts, believing that any contact would just additionally aggravate relations between Serbs and Albanians. (Figure 3.8)

54


Figure 3.8: How would more contacts between serbs and albanians influence relations between these two communities

Do you think that more contacts between ordinary citizens of Serbian and Albanian nationality would improve their relations, spoil them further or make no change? Base: total target population.

When considering contacts with Albanians in the context of solving everyday problems, the percentage of Serbs living in northern Kosovo who positively perceive interethnic cooperation rises to 40%. Interesting enough, residents of Zubin Potok are a lot more likely than average (58%) to believe that establishing contacts with Kosovo citizens of Albanian nationality would make at least some everyday problems easier. (Figure 5.9)

Figure 3.9: Would establishing contacts with albanians ease everyday life

Some citizens of the municipalities in northern Kosovo with Serbian majority say that life still goes on while big and essential issues are being addressed in Brussels, and that establishing contact with citizens of Albanian nationality living in Kosovo would make easier at least some of the problems that citizens face in their everyday life. To what extent do you agree with this attitude? Base: total target population

55


However, although many of them think that contacts with Albanians would make some problems easier to solve, as much as three fourths of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo (76%) believe that the attitude of their fellow citizens towards establishing any kind of contacts with citizens of Albanian nationality from Kosovo would be negative.

Figure 3.10: Assessment of the attitude of other fellow citizens about contacts with albanians from other parts of Kosovo

How do you think your fellow citizens from the north of Kosovo would feel about establishing any contacts with citizens of Albanian nationality living in Kosovo? Base: total target population

In spite of their opinion that most of their fellow citizens would not support contacts with Albanians, 71% of them still think that establishing cooperation in some areas would be possible. Out of total number of respondents, 21% believe that cooperation is absolutely possible. When we compare respondents’ answers by municipalities where they live, we see that most of those who believe that cooperation is possible live in Zubin Potok 87%.

56


Figure 3.11: Would cooperation between serbs and albanians be possible in any area

Regardless of your attitude towards establishing contacts with Albanians, do you think that it would be possible to establish any cooperation in any area? Base: total target population

However, in spite of their previously stated belief that most of their fellow citizens would react negatively to attempts of establishing contacts with Albanians, Serbs who live in the north of Kosovo still perceive Pristina authorities as the main barrier towards cooperation (35%), followed by their fellow citizens (19%).

2

57


Figure 3.12: Main barrier for cooperation between serbs and albanians

What do you think would be the main barrier for this cooperation? Who would mostly oppose the establishment of cooperation with Kosovo Albanians? Base: Total target population

Citizens of Mitrovica are more likely than average to single out ordinary citizens of both nationalities as those who would mostly oppose the establishment of cooperation. On the other hand, citizens of Leposavic are more likely than average to believe that criminal groups and local Serbian leaders present the barriers.

58


Figure 3.13: Main barrier for cooperation between serbs and albanians

Who do you think would be the main barrier for this cooperation? Who would mostly oppose the establishment of cooperation with Kosovo Albanians? Multiple responses; Base: Total target population

If there were opportunities created for some kind of cooperation between municipalities of northern Kosovo with Serbian majority and the rest of Kosovo with Albanian majority, commerce would be by far the most acceptable area in which cooperation might be realized first (41%). Other frequently mentioned areas are economy (13%) and creation of new jobs (11%). It is notable that as much as 17% of citizens of northern Kosovo municipalities say that they do not know the area where cooperation would be possible. (Figure 3.14)

59


Figure 3.14: Areas of potential cooperation between serbs living in northern Kosovo and albanians living in the rest of Kosovo

If there were any opportunities for some forms of cooperation between municipalities of northern Kosovo with Serbian majority and the rest of Kosovo with Albanian majority, in what areas would it be most possible? Multiple responses; Base: Total target population

Although citizens of northern Mitrovica are the most skeptical ones regarding the establishment of a potential cooperation with Albanians in any area, they are, however, a lot more likely than other citizens of northern Kosovo to single out various areas where cooperation would be established first, if at all (creation of new jobs, infrastructure, culture, smuggling, revival of economy/industry, power supply system/energy, business cooperation/business, water supply). (Figure 3.15)

60


Figure 3.15: Areas of potential cooperation by municipalities

If there were opportunities for some form of cooperation between municipalities of northern Kosovo with Serbian majority and the rest of Kosovo with Albanian majority, in what areas would it be realized first? Multiple responses: Base: target population

In line with previous findings, when it comes to cooperation with Albanians living in the south of Ibar, Serbs living in northern Kosovo would mostly support various forms of economic cooperation, such as commerce and purchase of goods at more favorable prices (58%), creation of new jobs (56%), as well as joint participation in projects for upgrading the quality of life funded by international community (53%). They would least support areas of culture and sports. Cooperation in the area of culture would be opposed by 69% of residents of northern Kosovo, and athletic competitions by 72%. (Figure 3.16)

Most of our respondents believe that it is still not the right time for mass gatherings (concerts, festivals...), but they do think that it is possible to organize gatherings that would connect a small number of admirers of specific aspects of art. They explain their resistance towards connections in this area with their fear that if conflicts would occur, art might become neglected, preventing any future events of this kind.

61


As for the attitude of prominent representatives of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo on connecting in areas other than commerce and business, their general opinion is that it is still too early for cultural connections. They believe that young people who have not had the experience of cohabitation have a great resistance towards Albanians, and that cultural and language differences just deepen this gap further.

They do agree that cultural exchange needs to exist, but they believe that it will happen spontaneously over time by establishing connections in other areas. They all agree that it is least likely that joint athletic competitions will be organized.

Figure 3.16: Attitude towards establishing contacts between serbs and albanians in specific areas

If there were attempts to establish contacts between Serbian citizens living in four municipalities of northern Kosovo and Kosovo Albanians in the following areas, would you support it? Base: total target population

62


If we pay attention to the structure of responses of respondents who would support cooperation with their fellow citizens of Albanian nationality, we see that most of them provide moderate support (they mainly support cooperation). (Figure 3.17)

Figure 3.17: Structure of positive reactions towards establishing contacts between serbs and albanians in specific areas

If there were attempts to establish contacts between Serbian citizens living in four municipalities of northern Kosovo and Kosovo Albanians in the following areas, would you support it? Base: total target population

Support is most extensive, in almost all areas, among residents of municipality of Zubin Potok, while residents of municipality of Leposavic give below-average support. (Figure 3.18)

63


Figure 3.18: Attitude towards establishing contacts between serbs and albanians in specific areas by municipality

If there were attempts to establish contacts between Serbian citizens living in four municipalities of northern Kosovo and Kosovo Albanians in the following areas, would you support it? – Would support it (3 + 4). Base: Total target population

In line with poor confidence in political figures, Serbs living in the north of Kosovo believe that respectable non-party figures would be most convenient for initiating contacts on their behalf with Albanians living in other parts of Kosovo (22%). They are followed by NGOs (19%), and representatives of municipality governments (18%). (Figure 3.19)

64


Figure 3.19: Most convenient institutions, organizations and individuals to initiate interethnic contact

If contacts were established between Serbian citizens living in four municipalities of northern Kosovo and Kosovo Albanians, which institutions, organizations or individuals would be most convenient to initiate these contacts? Base: Total target population

Almost three fourths of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo consider important to be able to move freely and safely in parts of Kosovo with Albanian majority.

The importance of this sort of freedom is emphasized in particular by residents of northern Mitrovica (82%), while residents of Leposavic, traditionally and geographically oriented more towards the area of Raska, consider free movement in areas with Albanian majority less important than average (52% consider it important). (Figure 3.20)

65


Figure 3.20: Importance of freedom and safe movement in parts of Kosovo with albanian majority

How relevant would it be for you to be able to move freely and safely in parts of Kosovo with Albanian majority? Base: Total target population

Regardless of the fact that their economic situation is very difficult and that they single out unemployment as their major problem, a big majority of Serbs living in northern Kosovo (76%) still would not accept a very well paid job that suited them fully in a town with Albanian majority, in a company where mainly Albanians are employed. This percentage just slightly varies among municipalities of northern Kosovo. (Figure 3.21)

66


Figure 3.21: Accepting or refusing a well-paid job in an albanian company

If you were offered a very well-paid job that suited you fully in a town with Albanian majority, in a company where mainly Albanians are employed, would you accept it? Base: Total target population

Four out of ten Serbs living in northern Kosovo (39%) have had no contact at all with citizens of Albanian nationality in the past 12 months. Leposavic, among all municipalities in the north of Kosovo, has the highest percentage of residents who had no opportunity for contacts with Albanians (53%), while only 26% of citizens of northern Mitrovica have not had this opportunity. Zvecan has the highest percentage of residents in frequent contacts with Albanians (24%). (Figure 3.22)

67


Figure 3.22: Frequency of contacts with albanians in the past 12 months

How frequently have you had contacts with Albanian citizens in the past 12 months? Base: Total target population

Although, in general, a somewhat higher percentage of Serbs living in the north of Kosovo report to have had positive experiences with Albanians (41%) compared to negative (37%), the difference is particularly big among those who have had contacts with Albanians in the past 12 months. Namely, those who have had contacts with Albanians are a lot more likely to say that their experience with Albanians was positive (60%) compared to negative (35%). (Figure 3.23)

As for current interethnic contacts, focus group respondents state that contacts do exist, but they are rather poor and mainly realized in the sphere of business. They go to the southern part of town in shopping malls where groceries are cheaper than in northern Mitrovica, and when they need various services, which are also cheaper. This is one of rare areas in which respondents agree that it is part of natural order of things, and that its scope is going to grow in the future.

68


Figure 3.23: Perception of experience with albanians

In general, are your experiences with Albanians who live in Kosovo positive or negative? Base: Total target population

Regardless of personal positive experiences related to contacts with Albanians, only 15% of Serbs from the north of Kosovo believe that Serbs and Albanians who live in Kosovo will live next to each other peacefully in the near future and work together on solving common problems that ordinary citizens of Kosovo face, regardless of their nationality. The percentage of optimistic ones in regard to this is somewhat higher in Zubin Potok (28%) than in other municipalities. (Figure 3.24)

In general, focus group participants believe that it will be very hard to establish contacts between Serbs and Albanians; they think it will take a lot of time, probably decades, but they also believe that the situation will develop in this direction. Furthermore, they find it very hard to imagine that full coexistence will ever take place, because they think that, although the situation was a lot better, it basically did not even exist before the war.

69


Figure 3.24: Assessment of likelihood that serbs and albanians with live peacefully with each other in the future

How likely is it that Serbs and Albanians who live in Kosovo will live next to each other peacefully in the near future and work together on solving common problems that ordinary citizens of Kosovo face, regardless of their nationality? Base: Total target population

If there were opportunities for favorable loans provided by Kosovo institutions for business activities of Serbs from Kosovo, 4 out of 10 currently unemployed persons would be interested (39%), and even half of residents of Zubin Potok (48%). The least interested in using loans offered by Kosovo institutions are residents of northern Mitrovica (18%). (Figure 3.25)

70


Figure 3.25: Interest in commercial loans by Kosovo institutions

If there were opportunities for favorable loans provided by Kosovo institutions for economic activities of Serbs who live in Kosovo, would you be interested in such a loan? Base: Total target population

If these favorable loans were conditioned by the establishment of cooperation with Albanian businessmen from Kosovo, the interest in them would be somewhat less extensive. (Figure 3.26)

71


Figure 3.26: Interest In Commercial Loans If The Condition Were Cooperation With Albanian Businessmen

And if these favorable loans for economic activities of Serbs who live in Kosovo provided by Kosovo institutions were conditioned by the establishment of cooperation with Albanian businessmen from Kosovo, would you be interested in such a loan? Base: Total target population.

Unemployment is once again confirmed to be a precondition for the remaining Serbs in northern Kosovo and a topic of essential importance, since almost three fourths of Serbs say that they would be thinking less about leaving Kosovo if they had a job (71%). (Figure 3.27)

Most of our focus group participants also consider that solving the issues of employment and safety are main preconditions for staying in Kosovo. Although they perceive their future in Kosovo as gloomy, most of our respondents want to stay, while others say that their alternative is to move to some rich western European country.

Almost all Serbs living in the north of Kosovo consider necessary to have their own higher education institutions, fully detached from Albanian ones (92%). Except in the area of education, residents of northern Kosovo municipalities also agree that there should not exist any unity with Albanians in the area of culture (60%), and sports (77%). (Figure 3.24)

Most Serbs who live in northern Kosovo municipalities (52%) do not consider the attitude of the church as authoritative when it comes to cooperation with Albanians. (Figure 3.27)

72


One very interesting finding indicates that as much as 71% of Serbs think that those who are engaged in trade with Albanians are not patriots, although previous results suggest that they themselves consider the area of trade as the most conceivable point of contacts between Serbian and Albanian population. (Figure 3.27)

Influential citizens from Serbian communities in northern Kosovo agree that a precondition for living in Kosovo is to insure safe life, employment and regular electricity and water supply. They are pessimistic in regard to the survival of Serbs in these regions and they believe that most people, if they had an opportunity, would move to Serbia or abroad. As for their own future in Kosovo, they show the will to stay and fight for their rights, but they still mention the possibility of moving in case the situation does not improve or gets worse. Focus group findings suggest that there is a substantial resistance to considering potential connection with Albanians. Dialogue with Albanians is mainly observed as a political act, without initially being considered a possibility for connection of ordinary citizens of Kosovo with the aim of facilitating and improving everyday life. The impression is that most of our participants are more likely to believe that dialogue with the other side symbolically means accepting the newly established Kosovo state and a final separation from the core, rather than being categorically against any form of cooperation with their fellow citizens of Albanian nationality.

Figure 3.27: Degree of agreement with statements

2 4

73


As for Trepca, the major economic subject in northern Kosovo in the past, the dysfunction of which is one of the greatest generators of unemployment in this region, almost two thirds of Serbs living in northern Kosovo (61%) believe that Trepca will be an opportunity for many Serbs and Albanians to find a job in the future.

Figure 3.28: Attitude towards role of trepca in the future of northern Kosovo

There are different opinions on the effects of production in Trepca. While some believe that Trepca will be an opportunity for many Serbs and Albanians to find a job in the future, others think that both Serbs and Albanians will only have trouble with Trepca due to unforeseeably bad consequences for the environment and agriculture. Which of these two opinions is closer to your own? Base: Total target population

It is an extremely important fact that environmental protection is one of the rare areas in which Serbs living in Kosovo would fully support cooperation with Albanians. Two thirds of Serbs (64%) would support this cooperation, and Zubin Potok is the leader here (74%).

74


Figure 3.29: Attitude towards cooperation between serbs and albanians aimed at protecting the environment

Regardless of positive and negative effects of Trepca, some citizens of Kosovo believe that Serbs and Albanians from Kosovo must find common ground in order to protect the environment for future generations. To what extent would you personally support cooperation between Serbs and Albanians living in Kosovo aimed at protecting the environment? Base: Total target population

N CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC FIGURES AND INSTITUTIONS – POTENTIAL A

4

75


76

77

AMBASSADORS OF CONNECTING

78


79


AMBASSADORS OF CONNECTING

• Most citizens of northern Kosovo municipalities have no confidence in any public figure who officially advocates the interests of Serbs from Kosovo, and thus the participants in the process of connecting might more likely be found among respectable members of community who have no relation with politics

• A significantly higher percentage of citizens have confidence in Serbian institutions, and confidence is the strongest in the Serbian Orthodox Church. A significant percentage of citizens have confidence in Serbian government, in local and national media, and in local governments.

• One in five citizens trust local NGOs, but most citizens are not familiar with their activities. In communities that are more aware of NGO activities opinions about NGOs are more positive. Thus, NGOs may have a substantial potential as ambassadors of connecting.

• The attitude towards local media is ambivalent: while a significant percentage of citizens have confidence in local media, the majority still believes that media are not independent and doubt that local media might contribute to the improvement of interethnic relations. “Amateur reporters” are trusted more than official media.

Most citizens (65%) of northern Kosovo municipalities have no confidence in any public figure that officially supports the interests of Serbs from Kosovo. Oliver Ivanovic is trusted the most, but only one in ten citizens also mention him. (Figure 4.1)

Figure 4.1: Most trusted public figure

When thinking about public figures from Kosovo who support the interests of Serbs, who can be trusted more than others? – SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE, SINGLE RESPONSE. Base: Total target population

80


Citizens of Mitrovica have somewhat more confidence in leaders who advocate the interests of Serbs: 56% of citizens single out a leader they trust, and it is mainly Oliver Ivanovic (18%), followed by Marko Jaksic (8%) and Goran Rakic (7%). Residents of Leposavic have the least confidence in their leaders: as much as 94% of them trust no leader. (Figure 4.2)

Figure 4.2: Most trusted public figures – most frequently mentioned public figures by municipality

When thinking about public figures from Kosovo who support the interests of Serbs, who can be trusted more than others? – SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE, SINGLE RESPONSE. Base: Total target population

Participants in focus group discussions show their great disappointment in Serbian leaders in Kosovo. They believe that local leaders are under the influence of various centers of power, and that they take care of their own interests before other things. Citizens believe that local leaders have embezzled huge funds intended for Kosovo and that financial gain is the main reason for their support towards current situation. As an exception, some participants single out Oliver Ivanovic.

Public figures from the sphere of economy and politics who participated in in-depth interviews agree with citizens that a lack of trustworthy leaders is one of the major problems. No leaders of their communities are native to this region and they consider this particularly challenging, since leaders should be well aware of the situation and willing to work for the welfare of communities without any substantial personal interest.

81


„We have no choice, we have no candidate to vote for“

„No one who keeps his promises has appeared yet. They are politicians, they are sweet talkers, but they are not doing anything“

„We have no more leaders here, they are all from Belgrade“

„Developmental fund, where is it? No one is mentioning it any more, money is donated, but where is it? They are all the same“

Citizens who are influential in the sphere of politics or economy agree with ordinary citizens that there are no leaders in local community that people would look up to, or whose perceptions and attitudes would be more relevant than those of others public figures.

„No, absolutely not. This may be our key problem at the moment.”– Businessman

As compared to confidence in individual leaders, a significantly higher percentage of citizens have confidence in institutions, at least in the Serbian Orthodox Church, Serbian government, local and national media and local governments. Citizens by far mostly trust the Serbian Orthodox Church (83%). More than a half of citizens trust Serbian government (56%) and Serbian local media in Kosovo (51%), and somewhat less than a half trust national media in Serbia (47%) and local administration in their municipality (44%). (Figure 4.3)

Confidence in political parties is relatively low, and the most trusted one is Građanska lista Srpska, which has about one third of citizens’ trust (34%). Confidence in NGOs and in international organizations is also low, and almost no one trusts Kosovo institutions. (Figure 4.3)

82


Figure 4.3: Confidence in institutions

I will now read out the names of some institutions and I would like you to tell me how much you trust each one of them. Base: Total target population

As for confidence in the Serbian Orthodox Church, as explained by citizens who participated in focus groups, it has to do a lot more with monks rather than clergy. As for monks, citizens singled out bishop Teodosije whom they trust the most.

83


Weak confidence in local Serbian NGOs can at least partly be explained with citizens’ poor awareness of their activities. As many as 73% of citizens are not familiar with activities of local NGOs, or they are somewhat familiar. In Zubin Potok, NGO activities are least known, and even 97% of citizens say that they do not know anything about it, or know very little. Awareness is still somewhat more extensive among citizens of Mitrovica (40%) and Zvecan (41%). (Figure 4.4)

Figure 4.4: Awareness about Serbian ngo activities in Kosovo

How familiar are you with activities of Serbian NGOs in Kosovo? Base: Total target population

Citizens have different opinions on whether local NGOs are working in the interest of Serbs living in Kosovo, but negative opinions still prevail. However, in communities where activities of NGOs are known better (Mitrovica and Zvecan), opinions are more positive than in communities where citizens are less aware of NGO activities. (Figure 4.5)

Focus group participants also report their prevailingly negative opinions of NGOs. Most of them believe that there are too many NGOs and that their primary objective is profit. However, participants do agree that there are those that work in the interest of ordinary people, and have accomplished good results in regard to improving the quality of citizens’ lives. These results are visible primarily in the sphere of culture, ecology, agricultural production and reduction of peer violence. However, according to younger respondents in particular, NGOs are not engaged in the sphere of enhancing interethnic relations in society, such as, for example, establishing interethnic contacts.

4

84


Figure 4.5: Are Serbian ngos in Kosovo working in the interest of serbs living in Kosovo

In your opinion, to what extent are Serbian NGOs in Kosovo working in the interest of Serbs living in Kosovo? Base: Total target population

As for media, as already mentioned, a significant percentage of citizens trust Serbian media, both local (51%) and national (47%). Citizens still prefer national rather than local media as sources of information. More than 70% single out Serbian national media as the main source of information (either individually or in general), and as for individual media, the most frequently mentioned is RTS (36%), followed by B92 (11%). About one fourth of citizens mention local Serbian media as the main source of information, usually TV Most (17%).

Most citizens, however, agree that local media in Kosovo are too engaged in big political topics, and not engaged enough in everyday problems of Serbs living in Kosovo (71%). Residents of Mitrovica least agree with this statement (58%), while residents of Zubin Potok agree the most (87%). (Figure 4.6)

85


Figure 4.6: Agreement with attitude that local media are too engaged in big political topics, and not engaged enough in everyday problems of serbs living in Kosovo

Some people think that local media in Kosovo are too engaged in big political topics, and not engaged enough in everyday problems of Serbs living in Kosovo. Do you agree with this opinion or not? Base: Total target population

Citizens don’t have a uniform opinion about messages communicated by media in regard to potential cooperation between citizens of Serbian and Albanian nationality: 43% consider these messages positive and same percentage considers them negative. Citizens of Zubin Potok are most prone to considering the messages positive (52%), while this attitude is least present in Mitrovica (35%). (Figure 4.7) A small percentage of citizens believe that media might contribute to the improvement of interethnic relations (only 17%). This opinion is least present among citizens of Mitrovica (13%) and Leposavic (12%), and somewhat more among citizens of Zubin Potok (25%) and Zvecan (30%). (Figure 4.8)

86


Figure 4.7: Perception of messages communicated by Serbian media in Kosovo on potential cooperation between citizens of Serbian and albanian nationality in Kosovo

What kind of messages about potential cooperation between citizens of Serbian nationality living in four municipalities of northern Kosovo and citizens of Albanian nationality living in the rest of Kosovo are communicated by Serbian media in Kosovo?) Base: Total target population

Figure 4.8: Perception of potential contribution of media to the improvement of interethnic relationships

Do you think that Serbian media from Kosovo might contribute to better interethnic relations between citizens of Serbian nationality living in four municipalities of northern Kosovo and citizens of Albanian nationality living in the rest of Kosovo? Base: Total target population

87


Lastly, in spite of confidence in local Serbian media in Kosovo expressed by a half of citizens, a significantly higher percentage of citizens consider them influenced (50%) rather than independent (38%). Residents of Zubin Potok believe in the independence of local Serbian media the most (57%), and residents of Leposavic (30%) and Zvecan (29%) believe the least (Figure 4.9).

Figure 4.9: Perception of independence of Serbian media in Kosovo

In general, how independent are Serbian media in Kosovo? Base: Total target population

Citizens who believe that local Serbian media are not independent think that they are controlled by several sources. Politicians and political parties are considered as most influential (42%), followed by Belgrade authorities (22%). One in ten citizens believe that local media are influenced by authorities in Pristina, a somewhat smaller number believe that this influence comes from abroad (8%), media funders and even criminals are also mentioned (2%).

88


Figure 4.10: Who, based on the citiszens’ opinion, predominantly influences media

Who do you think predominantly influences media? – MULTIPLE RESPONSES Base: respondents who believe that Serbian media in Kosovo are not independent (50% of target population)

Focus group participants are mainly dissatisfied with the way media report on events relevant for the life of Serbs living in Kosovo, be they national Serbian media or local Serbian media in Kosovo. Most respondents believe that media are under the influence of various interest groups, and thus not informing citizens properly and impartially. This is the reason why many citizens are more prone to relying on unofficial rather than official sources of information. Information is exchanged with neighbors and friends, the Internet is browsed, and a significant source of information present „amateur reporters“.

Only younger men have a somewhat different opinion (20 to 30 years old). They think that local media have become more objective since the signing of Brussels Agreement, and thus confidence in their reports has grown. This group also includes some participants who follow Albanian media broadcasts in Serbian language and consider this useful, because this enables them to find out what Kosovo media are broadcasting in Albanian.

Our participants in in-depth interviews, public figures from political and business life of northern Kosovo, agree that Serbian media, either national or local media from Kosovo, are engaged in high politics only, without reporting on problems of ordinary citizens of either Serbian or Albanian nationality. They also agree that media are not objective, and they perceive the problem of funding as the main reason for this.

89


KEY FINDINGS

Most Serbs who live in the north of Kosovo are not satisfied with current economic situation. They are primarily concerned with economy, and are generally pessimistic about the future. Serbs from the north, however, are more optimistic about the situation in municipalities where they make majority as compared to the rest of Kosovo. This might be either a consequence of lack of information on the quality of life of Kosovo Albanians or their tendency to preserve the current status of an „invisible glass wall“ that separates them from the rest of Kosovo.

A substantial percentage of Serbs who live in the north of Kosovo does not believe in the status quo. However, their irrational faith in future global events (10, 15 or 30 years from now) that might shift Kosovo power scene in their favor poses a tangible threat to accepting adjustment with Pristina. The economy and improvement of living conditions are key points of connection with Albanians. Economic interactions with Albanians are socially most acceptable among Serbs. It is the only form of cooperation not invoking condemnation. All other areas of interaction that include any Kosovo state related symbolism or a hint of inclusion of Serbs into the context of Kosovo (which directly, or indirectly, implies Kosovo’s independence from Serbia) are absolutely unacceptable. Thus, for most Serbs who live in northern Kosovo sport and culture are not potential bridges of cooperation with Albanians. However, it is encouraging that Serbs who live in northern Kosovo, and who have had contacts with Albanians in the past 12 months judge these experiences as more positive than negative. However, one should keep in mind that 4 out of 10 Serbs from the north of Kosovo had no contacts with Kosovo Albanians in the past 12 months. Most citizens of northern Kosovo municipalities do not trust any public figure that officially advocates the interests of Kosovo Serbs. Therefore, they would rather opt for some respectable community members not associated with politics. In general, local NGOs are trusted by 1/5 of citizens, but most citizens are not familiar with NGO activities. The attitude towards local media is ambivalent: while some citizens trust local media, the majority believes the media are not independent and doubts that they might contribute towards the improvement of interethnic relationships. Citizens of Zubin Potok seem to be most willing to cooperate with Albanians. They are a lot more likely than others to believe that most Albanians actually want a peaceful life with their non-Albanian neighbors and that the same everyday problems affect Serbs and Albanians equally. Moreover, while citizens of Zubin Potok single out economic problems, Serbs who live in Mitrovica single out political issues.

Given all mentioned above, the municipality Zubin Potok might serve as an example of good practice to other municipalities of northern Kosovo. Zubin Potok might as well be a good starting point for activities aimed at strengthening cooperation between Serbs and Albanians.

90


METHODOLOGY

Quantitative part:GENERAL POPULATION – f2f

Realization: Survey conducted in May 2014.

Sample frame: Population of 4 municipalities in northern Kosovo +18

Sample size: 623 respondents

Type of sample

Three stage random representative stratified sample

First stage unit: opinion poll territory

Second stage unit: households (SRSWoR)

Third stage unit: respondents in households (Kish tables)

Type of survey: Field questionnaire approximately 40 minutes long

Fieldwork locations: Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan

Post stratification: By gender, age and region

Error±1.7 % for occurrences with incidence of 5%±3.4 % for occurrences with incidence of 25%±3.9 % for occurrences with incidence of 50% (marginal error)

A. Qualitative part:1. Focus group discussions (FGD) conducted in May 2014. In Mitrovica. A total of four focus group

discussions were realized. Respondents were divided in four groups, by gender and family status (younger women 20 to 30 years old, family women with children - 30 to 50 years old, younger men 20 to 30 years old and family men with children - 30 to 50 years old).

2. Individual in-depth interviews (IDI) with prominent figures from political and business spheres of Serbian communities in northern Kosovo conducted in May 2014. In Mitrovica. 11 interviews were conducted with opinion leaders from Mitrovica, Zvecan and Zubin Potok.

Documents

Opinions of Serbs in - Kosovo Foundation for Open Societykfos.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Reconecting... · Regarding the problems of Albanian citizens living south of Ibar, Serbs