Kosovo Shuts Down Serbia-Linked Institutions Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

Kosovo authorities dismantle parallel structures tied to Serbia, prompting EU criticism and escalating tensions with ethnic Serb minority.

Kosovo's government has closed Serbia-supported institutions, including local administrations, post offices, and tax agencies in 10 municipalities with ethnic Serb populations.
Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla described the move as ending Serbia's 'illegal criminal parallel structures' in Kosovo.
The European Union criticized the closures, stating they violate Kosovo's obligations under the EU-facilitated normalization dialogue with Serbia.
Serbia condemned the action as a 'dangerous escalation,' while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic assured affected workers they would continue to receive financial support from Serbia.
The closures come weeks before Kosovo's February 9 parliamentary elections, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasizing actions to curtail Serbia's influence as part of his campaign platform.