Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has raised concerns over the potential repercussions of Russia prevailing in Ukraine, stating that such an outcome could jeopardise the 25 years of peace that the Balkan region has enjoyed. Kurti highlighted the significant progress made in terms of peace, freedom, and democracy in the Balkans over the past quarter of a century, emphasising the need to prevent any destabilising events that could reverse this progress.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Kurti underscored the importance of Western solidarity in supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. He warned that a stronger Russia could embolden Serbia, potentially endangering not only Kosovo but also neighbouring countries such as Bosnia, Montenegro, and possibly North Macedonia due to Serbian expansionist aspirations.
Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia persist, with ongoing normalization talks facilitated by the European Union failing to yield substantial progress. These tensions were further exacerbated by a shootout in September last year between masked Serb gunmen and Kosovo police, resulting in four fatalities. NATO-led peacekeepers have subsequently increased their presence along the Kosovo-Serbia border to maintain stability.
Kurti made these remarks at Kosovo’s diplomatic mission in Warsaw, where he highlighted the vital role of Poland in supporting Kosovo by establishing consular relations in 2022. Reflecting on the potential consequences of a Russian victory in Ukraine, Kurti expressed concerns about Serbia’s regional dominance, cautioning that such a scenario could imperil the hard-won peace, freedom, and democracy in the Balkans.
The legacy of conflict in the Balkans, particularly during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of regional instability. Kosovo itself endured a conflict with Serbian forces until NATO intervention in 1999 led to the end of hostilities and Kosovo’s subsequent declaration of independence in 2008. The unresolved status of Kosovo, with Serbia’s refusal to recognise its independence, continues to pose challenges to regional stability.
As Kurti seeks to advance Kosovo’s aspirations to join the European Union, he faces obstacles from EU members that do not recognise Kosovo, including Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Slovakia. Despite some incremental progress, such as Spain beginning to recognise Kosovo passports for visitors, the issue of broader recognition remains unresolved. Kosovo, predominantly inhabited by Albanians, is gearing up for parliamentary elections in February, which will serve as a crucial test for Kurti and his administration following their landslide victory in 2021.
Kurti’s visit to Poland, as the country prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union, underscores the significance of regional cooperation and solidarity in the face of external threats. As geopolitical tensions simmer in Eastern Europe, Kurti’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the fragile peace that the Balkans have strived to maintain in the post-conflict era.