The Institute for the Study of Hybrid Warfare (OCTOPUS) held a roundtable discussion today in Prishtina focused on the critical topic of Foreign Interference in Elections and its Impact on National Security and Democracy. The event brought together representatives from Western states, civil society activists, regional experts, and journalists for a robust exchange of ideas.
The Director of the “OCTOPUS” Institute, Arben Fetoshi, said that Serbia’s hybrid war against Kosovo includes combined activities that undermine the democratic order.
He stressed that the Serbian List is a legally disguised umbrella for the destabilization of Kosovo.
“Serbia has crouched in the authoritarian Russian and Chinese world to continue its expansionist policy. Its hybrid war against Kosovo, which can be defined as political, economic and security interventions, includes combined activities that undermine the democratic order and its international consolidation. It has always considered influencing electoral processes, whether local or parliamentary, as a good opportunity for sabotage…
Such tendencies and the same approach of interference from Serbia are also being observed in the parliamentary elections on February 9. Vučić’s party has called for only the Serbian List to be voted for. Its government has mobilized to support it with all means, including using financial methods.
“Serbia’s commitment to providing it with the 10 guaranteed seats in the Kosovo Assembly is not only about the goal of control but also about the message of absolute support for Belgrade’s reliable mechanism for Kosovo Serbs. Meanwhile, the terrorist attack in Banjska Zvecan, whose leadership was admitted by the deputy leader Milan Radoićić himself, shows that the Serbian List is not simply a political entity, but is a legally disguised umbrella for hybrid activities to destabilize Kosovo,” he said.
One of the highlights of the discussion was the address by Finnish Ambassador Matti Nissinen, who shared insights from Finland’s experience in countering foreign interference. Nissinen emphasized that Finland’s approach is rooted in three core components: preparation, inclusivity, and resilience. He underscored the importance of proactive strategies in defending against external threats while ensuring that democratic processes remain open and resilient to manipulation.
In a more contentious segment, Serbian journalist Radomir Dimić harshly criticized the government of Serbia, calling President Aleksandar Vučić’s regime “fascist” and labeling the Serbian List in Kosovo as a tool for undermining democracy within the Serb community.
The roundtable discussions were a vital contribution to the Institute’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the damaging effects of foreign interference on Kosovo’s elections. It also aimed to highlight the serious concerns surrounding Serbia’s involvement in Kosovo’s upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for February 9th.
Later this week, the OCTOPUS Institute will release a comprehensive article outlining the key discussions and expert recommendations that emerged from today’s roundtable, further addressing the long-term impact of foreign meddling in the democratic processes of Kosovo.
/Argumentum.al
