In a recent interview, Albin Kurti, Kosovo's Prime Minister since 2021, expressed concern about the potential consequences of Russian success in Ukraine for the Balkan region. Kurti emphasized that the past quarter-century has witnessed unprecedented peace, freedom, and democracy in the Balkans, a situation that could be jeopardized if Russia prevails in its aggression against Ukraine.
Kurti warned that a strengthened Russia might encourage Serbian expansionist ambitions, potentially endangering not only Kosovo but also Bosnia, Montenegro, and possibly North Macedonia. This cautionary statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, with normalization talks facilitated by the European Union failing to make significant progress.
The relationship between Kosovo and Serbia remains strained, as evidenced by a violent incident in September 2023 involving masked Serb gunmen and Kosovo police, which resulted in four fatalities. This event led to an increase in NATO-led peacekeepers along the Kosovo-Serbia border.
Kosovo, with a population of approximately 1.8 million, declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following a conflict that culminated in NATO's 78-day bombing campaign in 1999. The Kosovo War resulted in over 13,000 deaths, primarily ethnic Albanians. Despite its declaration of independence, Kosovo faces ongoing challenges in gaining international recognition, with only 117 UN member states acknowledging its sovereignty as of 2024.
Kurti emphasized the importance of Western unity in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. He argued that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden "despotic President Putin" to pursue further destabilization attempts in the region.
Kosovo's aspirations for European Union membership face significant hurdles, as five EU member states - Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Slovakia - still do not recognize Kosovo's independence. However, Kurti noted some progress, such as Spain's recent decision to recognize Kosovo passports for visitors.
As Kosovo prepares for parliamentary elections in February 2025, the country continues to grapple with various challenges. Despite having significant mineral resources, Kosovo's economy remains one of the poorest in Europe, with high unemployment rates. The country also faces issues related to corruption and organized crime, although it has made progress in implementing reforms required for EU integration.
Kosovo's unique position is further highlighted by its use of the euro as its official currency, despite not being a member of the Eurozone. The country has also established its own security force and participates in international sports competitions, including the Olympics, as an independent nation.
As the Balkan region navigates these complex geopolitical dynamics, the international community's response to the situation in Ukraine may have far-reaching implications for the stability and future of Kosovo and its neighbors.
"These 25 years in this century, this has been a quarter of a century with the highest degree of peace, freedom and democracy in the Balkans"