Imeri: The Serb List’s demand for barriers on the Ibër Bridge contradicts the goal of EU integration

The main bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica, which connects the southern and northern parts of the city, has for years been considered one of the most sensitive symbols of inter-ethnic division in Kosovo. Although pedestrians can cross it, vehicle traffic has remained impossible for years. The bridge’s opening has also been discussed במסגרת the dialogue mediated by the European Union.

Security analyst Dorajet Imeri describes the Serb List’s opposition to the bridge’s opening as paradoxical and illogical. According to him, the party’s position contradicts the normalization of relations and the region’s goal of integration into the European Union, which also entails removing barriers between states and citizens.

The Serb List opposed the bridge’s opening after Brussels announced that the security conditions for such a move had been created. In a letter sent to the EU Office in Pristina, the party requested the publication of the security analysis on which the decision was based. It also expressed doubts about the role of the Kosovo Police in protecting Serbs.

The party, which Imeri describes as a representative of Belgrade and its narratives in Kosovo, has stated that opening the bridge without the participation and approval of the Serbian side in the Brussels dialogue calls into question the process itself and the agreements reached there. The Serb List has also asked the European Union to clarify responsibility in the event of any incident or deterioration in the security situation, although following the withdrawal of KFOR it has been made clear that security in this area will be the responsibility of the Kosovo Police.

Speaking to KosovaPress, political analyst Dorajet Imeri said that the problem does not lie in opening the bridge, but in the attempt to keep it as an obstacle between citizens.

“There is a political contradiction that must be emphasized. If the future of the region is linked to integration into the European Union, the normalization of relations and the gradual elimination of barriers between peoples and citizens, then there can be no justification for demanding that a bridge remain a symbol of division. One cannot speak of normalization in Brussels while simultaneously opposing freedom of movement on the ground, one of the key principles of the European idea. In this way, the Serb List is seeking to preserve and erect barriers between citizens,” Imeri told KosovaPress.

According to him, the Ibër Bridge should be viewed as public infrastructure available to all citizens, regardless of ethnic affiliation. The issue, he added, should not be treated as a political or ethnic confrontation over ownership of the bridge, but as a matter related to freedom of movement, communication and integration.

“Mitrovica’s main bridge is, above all, a public space and infrastructure that should serve citizens. It is not the property of Albanians, Serbs, any party or government, but belongs to the citizens of Kosovo, regardless of ethnicity. Its function should be to enable movement, communication and integration. This is precisely where the Serb List’s paradox becomes apparent: an entity that claims to defend the Serbian community must explain how keeping the bridge closed improves the life, security or future of this community. This is completely paradoxical and illogical, because the bridge should serve the movement, security and well-being of people—objectives that every political entity should have, apparently with the exception of the Serb List,” Imeri stressed.