On June 10, 1999, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution which ended the war, established a NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo, and provided for some autonomy which included a 120-member assembly. But in practice, the agreements were vague, and the process was undone after several setbacks. The resolution will also decide how Kosovo's future status will be implemented. Serbia upholds Kosovo as its own territory and the heart of its statehood and religion. Remarkably, Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 but Serbia considers the country as its own territory. The dispute over Kosovo is centuries-old. EXPLAINER: Why do Kosovo-Serbia tensions persist? - ABC News The Serbian government has refused to recognize Kosovos statehood and still considers it part of Serbia, even though it has no formal control there. Kosovo War: Here's what happened, what is next in Serbia, Kosovo A look at the history between Serbia and Kosovo, and why the latest tensions are a concern for Europe. Serbia raised its combat readiness and warned it would not stand by if Serbs in Kosovo are attacked. Heavy vehicles remain parked by local Serbs block the road in the village of Rudare, in northern Kosovo on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. [103], In July 2022, competitors from Kosovo were prevented from participating in the European Youth Table Tennis Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.[104][105][106]. There have been clashes between Kosovos police and local Serbs, with several people injured, and two U.N. personnel were detained, including a Russian. Kosovo plays an essential role in the founding narrative of the Serbian nation. ELI5: Kosovo and Serbia? What is it all about and who is right?