Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Glauk Konjufca, has warned that the risk of renewed armed confrontation with Serbia must be taken seriously. In an exclusive interview with Hungary Insider, he accused Belgrade of pursuing territorial ambitions and called for stronger international measures to prevent further instability in the Western Balkans. The minister also addressed NATO’s role in maintaining regional security and the continuing dispute over the deadly 2023 Banjska attack.
Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia remain a significant security concern in the Western Balkans, nearly two decades after Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
While Kosovo considers itself an independent and sovereign state, Serbia does not recognise its independence and continues to regard the territory as part of Serbia. The dispute has repeatedly triggered political crises and security incidents, particularly in northern Kosovo, where a substantial ethnic Serb population maintains close ties with Belgrade.
Speaking exclusively to Hungary Insider, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca argued that recent statements by Serbian officials should be viewed in the context of previous armed incidents and military deployments.
“The threat to the Republic of Kosova is real, and the international community must recognise the gravity of this pattern,” he said.
Kosovo warns that Serbian rhetoric could signal a wider security threat
Konjufca expressed particular concern over remarks attributed to Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister suggesting that the Serbian flag would eventually fly over Prizren, a historic city in southern Kosovo.
According to the minister, such statements cannot be separated from developments on the ground.
He also highlighted the public appearance of Milan Radoičić, the former Kosovo Serb political figure who acknowledged organising the September 2023 armed operation in Banjska, alongside Danilo Vučić, the son of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, at a political rally.
Konjufca regards these developments as evidence of a continuing relationship between nationalist territorial claims and political protection for individuals associated with armed violence.
Serbia, however, has denied state involvement in the Banjska attack. Radoičić has also maintained that he acted without the knowledge or assistance of the Serbian authorities.
The Banjska attack continues to fuel tensions
The September 2023 attack in Banjska, northern Kosovo, remains one of the most serious security incidents in relations between Belgrade and Pristina in recent years.
A heavily armed group clashed with Kosovo police, resulting in the death of police officer Afrim Bunjaku and three attackers.
The incident was followed by heightened military tensions near the Serbian–Kosovar border and increased international concern. NATO subsequently reinforced its KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
In the exclusive interview, Konjufca criticised the lack of accountability for those responsible for the attack, particularly the fact that Radoičić remains in Serbia.
The minister called for greater pressure from the European Union to ensure that those accused of involvement face judicial proceedings.
“Justice for Banjska is essential to preventing further aggression and establishing lasting security in our region,” he said.
How serious is the risk of another Serbia–Kosovo conflict?
Asked whether a renewed armed confrontation was a realistic possibility, Konjufca made clear that his government takes the danger seriously.
“We take the risk of renewed confrontation seriously, knowing the devastating consequences of war,” he told Hungary Insider.
He identified a renewed concentration of Serbian combat forces near Kosovo’s borders or another armed attack against Kosovo’s territory and critical infrastructure as developments that would constitute a grave escalation.
Nevertheless, the minister stressed that Kosovo remains committed to diplomatic engagement and peaceful relations with neighbouring countries.
According to Konjufca, preventing further violence requires credible deterrence, a strong NATO presence through KFOR, and close coordination with the United States and European partners.
Why Kosovo’s security matters to Hungary
For Hungary, developments in Kosovo have direct regional security implications.
Hungary has long contributed troops to NATO’s Kosovo Force, which is tasked with maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in the territory.
The proximity of the Western Balkans also makes regional stability an important consideration for Hungarian foreign and security policy.
Hungary recognised Kosovo’s independence in March 2008 and has maintained diplomatic relations with Pristina since then.
Konjufca acknowledged Hungary’s longstanding contribution to Kosovo’s security in his interview, while also discussing how political developments in Budapest could influence future bilateral relations.
The minister emphasised that Kosovo’s longer-term ambitions remain focused on European integration, international cooperation and membership of NATO.
What else did Kosovo’s foreign minister reveal in the exclusive interview?
Beyond the security tensions with Serbia, Glauk Konjufca addressed several important political and diplomatic questions in his extensive interview with Hungary Insider.
He discussed how Kosovo views Hungary’s political transition under Prime Minister Péter Magyar, whether Budapest could play a greater role in the Western Balkans, and what opportunities exist for closer Hungarian–Kosovar cooperation.
The minister also examined the political connections surrounding the Banjska attack, the measures he expects from the European Union, and Kosovo’s efforts to secure EU candidate status.
He further addressed Kosovo’s ambitions to join NATO, its campaign for wider international recognition, and the message he wants to send to European governments, particularly those in Central Europe.
What does Glauk Konjufca expect from Péter Magyar’s government? How could Hungary influence Kosovo’s European future? And what further action does he want the EU to take towards Serbia?
Read the full exclusive interview with Kosovo’s foreign minister on Hungary Insider →
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