Trump’s new approach to Kosovo-Serbia normalization looms

Trump’s new approach to Kosovo-Serbia normalization looms

Politics

Kosovo may face a new approach from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the normalization of relations with Serbia, say former Kosovo diplomats, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

According to them, Kosovo may be presented with a fait accompli decision from the White House that leaves little room for negotiation or opposition, similar to the approach taken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in response to Russia’s military aggression against his country.

High-level delegations from the U.S. and Russia met on February 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the war in Ukraine, without the official involvement of Kyiv.

Former Kosovo Ambassador to Italy, Alma Lama, tells KosovaPress that the Trump administration may pursue a policy based on pragmatic results and successful agreements between Kosovo and Serbia.

Since the beginning of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue in 2011, the United States has only supported the process, which is mediated by the European Union. During President Donald Trump’s first administration, Kosovo and Serbia reached an economic normalization agreement in Washington in 2020.

The former diplomat states that Kosovo has lost many opportunities over the years for a resolution regarding Serbia, so President Trump may offer an "take it or leave it" deal.

On the other hand, former diplomat Blerim Canaj states that President Trump might insist on a quick agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Kosovo on its 17th Independence Anniversary, emphasizing deeper bilateral cooperation between the two countries. However, unlike in the past, there was no mention of the need for normalizing relations with Serbia or implementing commitments made in the process.

Regarding this, former diplomat Alma Lama says that Trump’s congratulation was more focused on economic cooperation than the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

Kosovo and Serbia, under European Union mediation, reached the Basic Agreement in Brussels and the implementation annex in Ohrid, North Macedonia, in 2023, but its implementation has yet to begin.

Tags

Related articles

Musk Threatens New Party Over Spending Bill
Elon Musk has intensified his opposition to President Trump’s proposed omnibus spending bill, vowing to create a new political party if Congress approves the legislation.
Germany Backs Moldova’s EU Path
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Chisinau today, reaffirming Germany’s strong support for Moldova’s European integration and regional stability.
Merz Backs EU Nuclear Talks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday he is open to discussing a potential European nuclear umbrella, though only as a long-term option.
Promo-LEX Observers Accredited
The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has accredited 17 national observers from the Promo-LEX Association to monitor Moldova’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for September 28, 2025.
EU Calls for Stricter Migration Returns
At the 29th Economist Roundtable on Tuesday, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and Greece’s new Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris emphasized the need for more effective asylum procedures, stronger return mechanisms, and better coordination among EU member states on migration.
Greece, EU Discuss Migration Control
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner on Tuesday in Athens to discuss the implementation of the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
Moldova Parliament Passes Social Reforms
In June, Moldova's Parliament held five plenary sessions, adopting 45 normative acts — including 39 laws and six decisions, according to its public relations department.
Trump Hits Musk Over EV Subsidies
Former U.S. President Donald Trump took aim at Elon Musk on Tuesday, accusing the billionaire of relying heavily on federal subsidies for electric vehicles.
Greece Condemns Damascus Attack
Greece's UN Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus.
Romania Backs Just Peace in Ukraine
Romania’s role in supporting a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine was discussed Monday at a Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) meeting, held at Cotroceni Palace under the leadership of President Nicușor Dan.
Türkiye to Host 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Monday that Türkiye will host the 2026 NATO leaders summit in Ankara, where key decisions are expected to be made.
Greece Rejects Turkish-Libyan Maritime Deal
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis told Parliament on Monday that the Turkish-Libyan maritime memorandum is "invalid and unsubstantiated" under international law.