Kosovo’s path forward remains uncertain after its latest election, which saw the ruling party come first but lose its majority. The country has been locked in a stalemate with Serbia for over 17 years, with Belgrade refusing to recognize Kosovo’s right to nationhood.
The EU and US have imposed sanctions on Kosovo, costing the country around €150m, while relations between Washington and Pristina have never been lower. However, the prospect of a new coalition government in Pristina offers hope for a less intransigent approach.
If Pristina can move beyond nationalist rhetoric and improve relations with Western partners, it will be in Kosovo’s best interest. The EU and US should respond to any conciliatory steps from Pristina with generosity.
Kosovo needs a fresh start, but the West must do more than meet it halfway. Brussels should support the implementation of a 2023 normalisation agreement, which Serbia has yet to sign. This deal would recognise Kosovo’s nationhood in exchange for semi-autonomous powers for ethnic Serbs.
The stakes are high, particularly given Ukraine’s precedent and the memory of Donald Trump’s previous backing of a partition plan. Kosovo’s prime minister Albin Kurti fears Belgrade’s ultimate agenda in Kosovo’s north. The EU has new diplomatic efforts to address these concerns, with foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and special envoy Peter Sørensen leading the charge.
For Kosovo’s next government to succeed, it must adopt a more pragmatic approach, moving beyond polarised rhetoric. However, the West must provide greater support, rather than just meeting Pristina halfway.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/10/the-guardian-view-on-kosovos-election-result-a-gateway-to-rapprochement-with-the-eu