The policy paper aims to provide a fact-based analysis of the current status, achievements, challenges and future perspectives in the ongoing discussions about Kosovo’s process of Dealing with the Past. Moreover, it explores public perceptions of the past and current dominant narratives and offers concrete recommendations for the Kosovar government, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the international community, including the European Union (EU).
The public event commenced with opening remarks from Nehari Sharri, Country Director of forumZFD Kosovo, and from the German Ambassador to Kosovo Jörn Rohde, representing Germany - a key stakeholder in addressing the past and facilitating dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina.
Speaking about Dealing with the Past, Nehari Sharri emphasized the crucial role of CSOs over the past 25 years by saying that “they facilitate dialogue among diverse communities, promote reconciliation, and advocate for human rights and justice. By providing platforms for marginalized voices, CSOs foster understanding and healing, which are essential for building a cohesive society. Their efforts in documenting history and raising awareness contribute to a more informed public discourse, helping to prevent the repetition of past injustices. Thus, CSOs are vital in shaping a peaceful and democratic future for Kosovo.”
In the words of the German Ambassador: “For 25 years, Kosovo has faced manifold challenges in addressing its violent and traumatic past. Despite efforts to deal with this troubled past, many wounds remain unhealed. More must be done to ensure that dealing with the past is not just a promise but a reality, which includes holistic approaches to justice, reconciliation, and the culture of remembrance. The future depends on a deeper commitment from all actors to addressing the challenges of the past to build a common future.”
The panel discussion, moderated by Besa Luci, Editor-in-Chief of Kosovo 2.0, brought together the three co-authors, both in person and online, to explore the challenges of reconciliation, societal rebuilding, transitional justice and collective memory in Kosovo and the wider region. Florian Bieber, Donika Emini and Marina Vulović presented the policy paper offering insights into the current situation in Kosovo while discussing opportunities, risks and policy recommendations.
Among other aspects, the paper analyzes initiatives aimed at promoting Dealing with the Past, noting that—despite two decades of efforts—addressing the past and fostering reconciliation in Kosovo have been consistently challenged by the socio-political landscape, shifting discourses and increasing politicization and polarization. These efforts have often lacked a consistent and coherent strategy for Dealing with the Past.
Recent initiatives such as the revitalization of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the adoption of a National Strategy on Transitional Justice present a window of opportunity to implement a comprehensive approach to Dealing with the Past and reconciliation.
One of the key opportunities and challenges identified in the policy paper is the Belgrade-Prishtina Dialogue, which is seen as an important component for fostering reconciliation. However, while shifting Kosovo’s focus towards Serbia, it limited the development of an internal strategy and deepened societal tensions, especially in Northern Kosovo.
Moreover, the Governmental Strategy on Transitional Justice offers a potential framework for collaboration among institutions though concerns about centralized ownership and exclusion of underrepresented voices remain.
During the panel, co-author Donika Emini also stressed the significance of addressing societal divisions - promoting a social dialogue is equally crucial as a political dialogue. Over the past 25 years, civil society has played a key role in fostering reconciliation and implementing related projects. However, it has been faced with challenges like limited resources, restricted access to public information and governmental narratives from both governments.
Following the challenges and risks, the policy paper offers recommendations emphasizing the importance of shifting divisive narratives, strengthening political and institutional collaboration and ensuring genuine engagement in the ongoing Belgrade-Prishtina Dialogue. CSOs in particular play a vital role in advocating for a multi-perspective approach.
The event was attended by government and media representatives, NGOs and civil society - organized by forumZFD Kosovo with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Barabar Centre. The policy paper was supported by funds of BMZ.
To dive deeper into the policy paper and its recommendations for building a peaceful future in Kosovo, please click:
