The new tension in North Kosovo was to be expected, according to Ioannis Armakolas, since the government of Albin Kurti is determined to employ reciprocity measures against Serbia, which does not recognize Kosovo and applies similar measures against holders of Kosovar identity cards and car number plates who enter its territory.

He explained how this crucial point in the Balkans came to close to exploding, but is certain the explosive mixture will not lead to a large-scale war. However, he notes that even a small-scale engagement could have potentially wide-ranging consequences for the region.

He believes that only active diplomacy on the part of the EU and Western institutions can prevent possible new tensions in early September, the date the Kurti government has set for implementing the new measures

 

Click to listen to the interview, in Greek, after 30′.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.