Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has raised alarms about the potential destabilization of the Balkans if Russia emerges victorious in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for Western unity in supporting Ukraine, warning that a stronger Russia could embolden Serbian expansionist ambitions, threatening the peace achieved over the past 25 years.
Key Takeaways
- Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti warns of risks to Balkan peace if Russia prevails in Ukraine.
- A stronger Russia could encourage Serbian expansionism, endangering Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
- The relationship between Kosovo and Serbia remains tense, with stalled normalization talks.
- NATO peacekeepers have increased their presence along the Kosovo-Serbia border.
- Kosovo aims for EU membership, but five EU countries still do not recognize its independence.
The Current Situation in the Balkans
The Balkans have enjoyed a period of relative peace, freedom, and democracy for the last quarter-century. However, Kurti’s statements highlight the fragility of this stability. He argues that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it could lead to a resurgence of Serbian dominance in the region, reminiscent of the conflicts that plagued the Balkans during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Kurti stated, "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." He made these remarks during a visit to Kosovo’s diplomatic mission in Warsaw, Poland, which was established after the two nations formed consular relations in 2022.
The Threat of Serbian Expansionism
Kurti expressed concern that a victorious Russia would embolden Serbia, which he described as a regional hegemon and a proxy for Russian interests. He warned that not only Kosovo but also neighboring countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and possibly North Macedonia could face threats from Serbian expansionist ambitions.
The historical context is crucial here. Kosovo was a Serbian province until NATO’s intervention in 1999, which ended a brutal conflict between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian separatists. The war resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths, primarily among ethnic Albanians, and led to Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, a move that Serbia still does not recognize.
The Role of NATO and International Peacekeepers
In response to rising tensions, NATO-led peacekeepers have increased their presence along the Kosovo-Serbia border. This military support aims to maintain stability in a region still recovering from past conflicts. Kurti noted that the normalization talks between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the European Union, have stalled, particularly after a violent incident last September that resulted in four deaths.
Kosovo’s European Aspirations
As Kosovo prepares for parliamentary elections in February, Kurti’s government is focused on gaining EU membership. However, five EU member states—Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Slovakia—still do not recognize Kosovo’s independence. Kurti highlighted that while Spain has begun recognizing Kosovo passports, this is merely a small step toward full recognition.
He stated, "These small steps do not make one big necessary step, which is recognition." The upcoming elections will serve as a critical test for Kurti’s leadership, especially as he navigates the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for the Balkans.
