The Challenge of Building an Independent Citizenship Regime in a Partially Recognised State: The Case of Kosovo

Abstract

This paper analyses efforts to create an independent citizenship regime in the partially recognised state of Kosovo. It argues that in a situation where there was no previous independent baseline for citizenship, Kosovo opted for the ‘new state’ model in defining and constituting its citizenry. Thus, by defining the new body of citizens in terms of territory and residence (though with certain conditions and limitations), the ‘new born’ state differs substantially from most of other countries that emerged after the dissolution of Yugoslavia. This paper includes a historical account of citizenship policies in the territory of Kosovo, a detailed analysis of the new Kosovar citizenship regime, and an overview of the current political debates related to citizenship.

Keywords: Citizenship, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, Serbia, residents, minority, statelessness

JEL Classification: K19, K10, P30