Prof. Dr. Muhamet Racaj has described Serbian official Ivica Dačić’s statement that the Serbian flag will “sooner or later fly over Prizren” as concerning, saying that such a position affects Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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In a statement to “Bota sot,” Racaj said that statements by senior Serbian officials could serve to fuel nationalism, strengthen territorial claims and create psychological pressure on Kosovo’s citizens and institutions.
According to him, Dačić’s statement should be viewed as a threatening political and symbolic signal, but it cannot automatically be interpreted as evidence of an immediate plan for a military attack.
“The fact that a senior Serbian official declares that the Serbian flag will ‘sooner or later fly over Prizren’ is concerning, as this rhetoric directly affects Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such language can fuel nationalism, territorial claims and psychological pressure on citizens and institutions,” Racaj said.
He added that a distinction must be made between threatening rhetoric and concrete military preparations. “The statement, taken on its own, does not prove an immediate attack plan, but it remains a political signal that security institutions should not ignore,” he emphasized.
Racaj said that Pristina’s response should be measured and based on facts, without rushing into panic or emotional reactions. In his view, a legal assessment of the statement requires an analysis of its full wording, context and the circumstances in which it was made.
“From a security perspective, this statement may be seen as a political and symbolic threat to Kosovo’s sovereignty. However, in order to assess it from a legal perspective, the full wording, context and concrete circumstances must be examined,” the professor said.
He stressed that Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be challenged through nationalist statements, while disputes should be resolved through dialogue and international law.
“Pristina must respond seriously, but without panic or emotion. The response should be measured, fact-based and coordinated with international partners,” Racaj said.
The professor also listed several measures that, in his view, should be taken by Kosovo’s responsible institutions.
Among the key steps, he mentioned conducting continuous risk assessments, including analysis of cross-border activities, disinformation and efforts to incite tensions.
Racaj also called for maintaining the readiness of the Kosovo Police, particularly in sensitive areas, by implementing proportionate measures to prevent incidents and ensure the protection of citizens.
According to him, coordination and information-sharing with KFOR, NATO, EULEX, the European Union and the United States should be strengthened.
Another necessary measure, according to the professor, is the use of security diplomacy to inform strategic partners and seek accountability for statements that could destabilize the situation.
He also emphasized the importance of increasing resilience against hybrid warfare by combating disinformation, strengthening cyber defense and ensuring fact-based public communication.
Racaj also called for investment in professionalism, training, modern equipment and international cooperation, with the aim of strengthening security institutions.
In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Muhamet Racaj said that Dačić’s statement should be seen as a reason for institutional vigilance, not as a cause for fear.
“Kosovo must act with prudence, determination and professional preparedness, protecting its sovereignty through functioning institutions, active diplomacy, partnership with NATO and civic unity. Peace in the region is not built on territorial claims, but on respect for sovereignty, dialogue and international law,” Racaj concluded in his statement to “Bota sot.”
