This article analyzes societal belief in whether the judicial system in Kosovo is independent in its decisions, from the perspectives of different ethnic groups (K-Albanian, K-Serb, K-Other) using UNDP Public Pulse data covering 2011-2024. The data shows that absolute distrust toward the judicial system (the "not at all independent" perception) has markedly decreased across all ethnic groups in the country over the past thirteen-year period; however, the skeptical approach toward the judiciary among the K-Serb population remains higher compared to other groups. For foreign companies planning investment, employment, and production in multi-ethnic regions (e.g., Northern Kosovo), this indicates that the perception of legal predictability varies regionally. However, per Kosova Investment Joint Venture editorial principles, it must be stated that an increase in trust in the judiciary does not mean cases will definitely be won or legal problems will not occur; all investments must be safeguarded through local commercial law, "arbitration" clauses, and professional contracts
When examining the responses of Kosovo citizens to the question "Is the judiciary in Kosovo independent in its decisions?" by ethnic groups, the regional dynamics of the legal trust-building process emerge: K-Albanian (Kosovo Albanians): In May 2011, the absolutely pessimistic segment that argued the judiciary was "not at all" independent was at a very high level of 65.4%, and by May 2024 this rate had experienced a dramatic decline to 19.4%. In the same period, the combined total of those who thought the judiciary was "mostly" and "fully" independent rose from 16.6% to 34.3%. K-Serb (Kosovo Serbs): The absolute distrust of "not at all independent" toward the judiciary, which was 57.9% in 2011, had declined to 40.5% by May 2024. While improvement is visible, the K-Serb population's skepticism toward the justice system remains higher compared to other groups. K-Other (Bosniak, Turkish, Roma, etc.): In 2011, the percentage of those who thought the judiciary was not at all independent was 34.2%, and by 2024 this rate had declined to 19.6%. In this group, trust in the system ("mostly" + "fully" independent) reached 35.8%, demonstrating high integration
Publisher: Kosova Investment / KS Law Consultancy L.L.C. Copyright notice: © Kosova Investment / KS Law Consultancy L.L.C. All rights reserved. This content was prepared by Att. Mehmet Vehbi Filiz. It may not be copied, reproduced, republished, or used for commercial purposes without written permission.