Can you share your experience attending the Kosovo International Summer Academy?
Lucy: The Kosovo Summer Academy, supported by the Kosovo Centre for Diplomacy, happened this year from 15 to 25 July at the Hotel International Prishtina and Spa in Pristina. It was focused on Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Areas, Diplomacy, Leadership, and Negotiations.
The academy hosted 60 participants from 24 countries, including both undergraduate students and young professionals. Notably, 16 of these participants were from King’s, making us the largest delegation. Each day we attended three lectures by senior government officials, representatives from civil society, or international organisations such as NATO and EULEX
Participants had multiple different motivations for attending the academy. Some had specialised interests in the Balkans and were considering careers in the region, whilst others were writing their dissertations on Kosovo and so wanted an insight into its history and culture that you can’t get from reading articles and books. For me, I’m really interested in post-conflict state-building, but I didn’t really know much about Kosovo or the Balkans at the start of the programme. I’ve gained fresh insights into state-building and made new friends to share the experience with!
What was your main key takeaway from your experience in Kosovo?
Sahib: With Europe’s youngest population at an average age of 31 years old and the continent’s poorest economy, Kosovo has developed a unique culture. Border restrictions until 2018 encouraged the growth of a distinctive local entertainment scene. During our visit, we enjoyed a range of experiences, from the Kosovo Beer Festival and Albanian Opera Festival to watching the Euros 2024 final and sampling local cuisine.
The most striking aspect of Kosovo was the warmth and curiosity of its people. Kosovans are eager to learn about visitors' backgrounds and opinions on their nation, which they hold dear. Despite the country’s recent struggle for independence and ongoing challenges, Kosovans are both proud and progressive, keen to engage with the international community and advance towards EU membership.
The recent history of conflict has fostered a strong sense of political engagement among Kosovans, who, regardless of party affiliation, have robust opinions on national and regional politics. While this engagement is often vibrant and constructive, it can also highlight underlying tensions, such as those between Albanian and Serbian communities.
Overall, the people of Kosovo greatly enriched our experience, making us feel welcome and sharing their rich history, cuisine, and culture. As Professor Judita Krasniqi said: “Ten days in Kosovo is enough to be considered a local.”
What were some key topics covered during the lectures?
Andrea: Every weekday from 9:00 to 15:00, we attended a series of talks and discussions at our hotel on Kosovo’s history, politics, the international community's role, and post-war reconstruction. The programme featured a diverse range of speakers—diplomats, academics, military leaders, and journalists—ensuring each day was rich with thought-provoking content and lively debates. Notable speakers included former President Fatmir Sejdiu, EU Office Head Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog, and German Ambassador Jörn Rohde.
A key discussion point was the fact that five EU member states—Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus—still do not recognise Kosovo’s independence. This issue was highlighted in several lectures, with Ambassador Rohde noting, “It remains a significant problem that these five countries do not recognise Kosovo.”
We also covered peace processes, conflict negotiation, and memorialisation, focusing on the tactics and strategies used to broker peace. Additionally, we explored Transitional Justice, a crucial topic for War Studies students. In Kosovo, this is particularly complex due to competing narratives—one centred on human rights, the other on political justifications. Bakin Blaka, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Law Centre Kosovo, emphasised, “Documenting war casualties is a critical element of implementing transitional justice mechanisms.”
What is the European Union Rule of Law in Kosovo and how it shaped your view of the EU's role in post-conflict governance?
Sveva: Among the many speakers we interacted with, I felt a special connection with Ms. Sara Barbieri, who discussed the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo). Launched in 2008, EULEX is the EU's largest civilian mission, aiming to support Kosovo's rule of law institutions in becoming more effective, sustainable, multi-ethnic, and accountable, while aligning with international human rights standards and best European practices.
As a European, I hadn’t fully understood the significance of such a large organisation, which faces considerable opposition. However, hearing Ms. Barbieri and talking to locals during our stay made me appreciate the mission’s crucial role in monitoring, mentoring, and advising local authorities to build a strong legal framework and ensure fair justice systems. She highlighted the importance of focusing on prevention rather than just response, stressing the need for resilient institutions to prevent conflict and instability. EULEX's work is not just about intervention but also about building public trust, maintaining peace, fostering reconciliation, and protecting human rights. It supports Kosovo's European integration by aligning its legal framework with EU standards—a significant achievement for a post-conflict country still vulnerable to internal and external threats.
Ms. Barbieri’s insights on the EU’s role in Kosovo deepened my appreciation for something many of us take for granted and inspired me to become more involved in state-building and governance.
How do gender inequalities impact women in Kosovo?
Erin: One significant aspect we explored was the gender inequalities in Kosovo and the trauma, particularly experienced by women, during the war. Dr Feride Rushiti from the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims emphasised the importance of judicial and social justice for survivors of torture and sexual assault. Many families and victims are still grappling with the trauma they endured. The Centre has been working to foster open discussions about sexual assault and has designated April 14th as the Day of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the Kosovo war.
Dr Krasniqi also highlighted the economic inequalities faced by women in Kosovo, particularly those working in the informal labour market. Due to social stigmas, many women are excluded from the benefits of formal employment and often work in agriculture or family-run businesses, seeing few economic gains. Additionally, daughters in Kosovo are frequently excluded from family inheritances, leaving opportunities predominantly for their brothers.
Reflecting on the hardships faced by women during and after the war was crucial during this programme. Recognising that 20,000 victims of sexual assault remain without justice underscores the need to address gender discrimination, which often worsens in times of crisis. Understanding these issues is essential as we work towards peacebuilding and advancing gender equality.
Can you share some insights you gained from the field trips?
Algen: In the southwest of Kosovo, Prizren is notable for its historical and cultural significance. The city's architectural tapestry is truly captivating. Our first stop was the Sinan Pasha Mosque, an Ottoman masterpiece at the city’s entrance. With its prominent dome and floral patterns featuring Qur'anic verses, it dominates the skyline. Next, we visited the Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, a 14th-century Serbian Orthodox church that beautifully combines Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic styles. Its interior, adorned with stunning frescoes and vibrant colours, was particularly impressive. We ended our tour with a hike to Prizren Fortress. Although the climb was made challenging by the heat, the panoramic city views and dramatic lightning made the effort worthwhile.
The visit to the Mitrovica Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Division, was striking. With KFOR units present, it highlighted the city's tensions, reflecting recent unrest. Spanning the Ibar River, the bridge separates the contrasting North and South. The area is quiet, marked by pro-Russian and anti-Albanian graffiti, and decorated with Serbian flags, underscoring its allegiance.
Our trip to Prekaz and the Jashari Memorial was pivotal in understanding Kosovo’s national identity and its legacy of resistance. Prekaz, a small village in the Drenica region, is the birthplace of the Kosovo Liberation Army and was the site of a pivotal event before Kosovo's independence. In March 1998, Serbian forces attacked the village, targeting KLA leader Adem Jashari and killing 58 family members, including women and children. The memorial includes the preserved ruins of the Jashari family compound, with bullet-riddled walls and damage from heavy artillery, and a monument to Adem Jashari, alongside graves of fallen soldiers guarded by security forces.
How did your reflections on the programme shape your overall experience?
Maïtée: This programme was one of the highlights of my year. It was exceptionally well-structured, linking closely with my studies at King’s and offering a unique, enriching experience. Over ten days, we engaged with passionate speakers on relevant War Studies topics and formed genuine connections within our cohort.
The Academy provided an interactive platform to grasp the dynamics of a post-conflict country. Its blend of classroom learning, and field trips deepened our understanding of Kosovo’s social and political history.
Looking back, I’m impressed by how much I learned about Kosovo and the Balkans in such a short time. The KSA fostered strong bonds among participants, despite tight dissertation deadlines, and brought together students and professionals from diverse backgrounds with a shared interest in politics and diplomacy. The connections made during this programme were unparalleled, and I highly recommend this experience.
Authors:
- Lucy Cohen – MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies
- Sahib Singh Juss – MA International Relations
- Andrea York Tuer – MA Intelligence & International Security
- Sveva Spadavecchia – MA International Relations
- Erin Bean– MA International Relations
- Algen Thamothiram – MA Conflict, Security and Development
- Maïtée Quiron – MA Intelligence & International Security