Inside Story

What’s behind the latest dispute between Serbia and Kosovo?

Dispute over license plates triggers renewed tension between Balkan neighbours.

A dispute over car licence plates has reignited longstanding tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.

Kosovar drivers have to buy temporary plates while driving through Serbia. When Kosovo reciprocated, Kosovo Serbs blocked two border crossings and set government buildings on fire.

Kosovo sent special police to the area, which triggered Serbia to deploy tanks and soldiers to its side of the border.

NATO peacekeepers have increased patrols, while the European Union is urging both sides to resume stalled talks.

Why has one of Europe’s forgotten disputes escalated now?

Presenter: Imran Khan

Guests:

Zarko Korac – Former deputy prime minister of Serbia

Bodo Weber – Senior associate at the Democratization Policy Council

Pieter Cleppe – EU policy analyst