CLOSING CONFERENCE OF THE PROJECT: “BEYOND THE IBAR RIVER BRIDGE”

In the closing conference of the project, held on 18th of October 2017, in Mitrovica – ADRC presented the public opinion analysis themed: “Beyond the Bridge: the symbolism, freedom of movement and safety’’ and aired the journalistic material/the reportage prepared within the project.

Through this project, ADRC tackled the significance Ibar River Bridge holds for Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs as a tangible symbol of divisive narratives, the freedom of movement obstacle and safety precaution; as well as examined to what extent the Brussels Agreements linked to these three components affected the lives of the citizens of Mitrovica.

You can find some of the most important findings of the analysis below: 12% of young Kosovo Serbs (16-25-year-olds) think that the main bridge on Ibar River should be open for both traffic and pedestrian. 64.5% of young Kosovo Albanians (16-25-year-olds) think that the main bridge on Ibar River should be open for both traffic and pedestrians. 22% of all respondents cross the main bridge on Ibar River regularly. 32.1% of Kosovo Albanian respondents consider that the final decision on the function of the bridge should be made by the EU. 52.7% of 16-25-year-olds do not find any of the agreements on freedom of movement effective. 60% of respondents report that they have negative feelings (exposure, threat, discomfort) when crossing the main bridge. 46.4% of Kosovo Albanians think that the opening of the bridge will have a positive effect on the security situation, as much as 42.1% of Kosovo Serbs expect that the opening of the bridge will have a negative effect on the security situation.