Tension rises in Northern Kosovo

While the attention of Europe is focused on its northern geographical extreme (Norway) and its boiling southern neighbourhood (Libya, Syria and all the events related to Arab Spring), its eastern flank  has loudly required its amount of attention as well: Kosovar special forces attempted to seize the control over its Serbian-majority northern area. This move was taken without prior consultation with any of the external actors involved in the region, namely the EU and NATO. This action has fostered criticisms by the EU and NATO. Serbian President Boris Tadić reacted saying that his country will not go to war and called for an immediate end of violences, blaming also what he defined hooligans who do not defend Serbia. NATO troops have restored order but the situation remains tense. Are these developments related only to the recent trade war between Belgrade and Pristina or are they linked to the speeding of Serbia’s EU accession process?