Cooking Builds Bridges
Mitrovica, Kosovo

Kosovo continues to be shaped by unresolved political and ethnic tensions.

In Mitrovica, a divided city in the north of Kosovo, this conflict is particularly evident. The Ibar River divides the city into a predominantly Kosovar Albanian south and a predominantly Kosovo Serbian north. This division results in limited interaction between the different communities.

Young people in Mitrovica are particularly affected by high unemployment, a lack of economic prospects, and social tensions, making it difficult to build a peaceful and integrated society.

In this context, Cuisine sans frontières, in collaboration with the local organization Community Building Mitrovica, organizes multi-day gastronomic workshops where Kosovar Albanian and Kosovar Serbian youth come together to celebrate cultural diversity by preparing and sharing traditional dishes. The aim is to reduce prejudices, foster mutual understanding, and build new relationships.

Since the end of the Kosovo War in 1999, the region has been marked by unresolved political and ethnic tensions. Despite international efforts, central issues such as Serbia's recognition of Kosovo and the rights of the Serbian minority in Kosovo remain unresolved. This has led to conflicts between the Kosovar Albanian majority and the Kosovar Serbian minority. The unstable political situation is exacerbated by economic challenges, including high unemployment, particularly among young people, many of whom have limited opportunities to shape their future in Kosovo.

Mitrovica, a city in the north of Kosovo, is a symbol of the country’s ethnic tensions. The Ibar River divides the city into two parts: the predominantly Kosovar Albanian south and the predominantly Kosovar Serbian north. This geographic division is symbolic of the societal rift. Schools, universities, and public institutions are often separated along ethnic lines, making interactions between the communities difficult.

To address these challenges, the community needs initiatives that foster dialogue and facilitate encounters. Against this backdrop, Cuisine sans frontières, in collaboration with the local actor Community Building Mitrovica, organizes multi-day workshops that bring together young people from different ethnic backgrounds to cook and share traditional dishes.

Participants learn to appreciate the culinary traditions and cultural practices of others, which helps break down social barriers and strengthen mutual respect.

In the long term, these activities contribute to overcoming ethnic divides and creating a stronger, more resilient community based on a shared identity and belonging. Additionally, the workshops provide disadvantaged youth with the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and develop new personal and professional perspectives.