American Institute for Strategy and Policy “New Lines Institute” has recently published a report on Kosovo-US relations over the last quarter century.
The report emphasizes that the US role in Kosovo has shifted from supporting the creation of a new state to a supervisory position over an unstable status quo.
Kosovo has made significant progress in consolidating its democracy, ranking as the most democratic state in the Western Balkans according to the V-Dem Liberal Democracy Index.
However, the report emphasizes that the US should treat the Vetëvendosje party, whether in power or in opposition, as a true partner, recognizing its views on Kosovo's sovereign interests.
“Washington would do well to use the lessons of its past diplomacy in Kosovo to improve its approach to the Pristina government in the present and future,” the report says.
According to the report, the US should continue to strongly support the Kosovo-Serbia political dialogue, but not by tolerating corruption and state capture.
Despite internal challenges and the long-standing dispute with Serbia, Kosovo has made significant progress, the report highlights.
A fundamental change has also occurred in Kosovo's relationship with the United States. In recent years, especially under the Vetëvendosje government, Pristina has shown a willingness to say "no" to the demands of its main ally when they conflict with its interests, the report states.
The main recommendations drawn from this report include:
-Washington should treat Vetëvendosje as a true partner: The US should recognize the sovereign interests of the Vetëvendosje party and support its efforts against corruption, never tolerating state capture.
-Balancing criticism of Kosovo and Serbia: The US should apply equal standards to Kosovo and Serbia, ending the perception that Belgrade’s authoritarianism is ignored while Pristina is criticized. By holding both sides to consistent standards, the US can strengthen its credibility as a principled mediator.
-Engagement with civil society: The US should engage more deeply with Kosovo's civil society, activists, and independent media, supporting their efforts for transparency and accountability.
-Support to resolve the impasse over the situation in northern Kosovo: The US should support EU-led negotiations to resolve the issue of the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities, ensuring that Kosovo Serb self-government does not undermine the functioning of the state. Washington should also insist that Serbia fulfill its parallel obligations: removing illegal structures in northern Kosovo, ceasing funding for illegal parallel institutions, and encouraging Kosovo Serbs to participate in the country’s democratic institutions.
In September 2025, the US suspended the strategic dialogue with Kosovo due to concerns about the actions of the acting government led by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, which were seen as factors in increasing tensions and insecurity in northern Kosovo. However, according to the report, the Government of Kosovo has expressed its commitment to peace and stability in the region, accepting criticism and committing to improvement.
To present the findings of this report, an online discussion will be held on Tuesday, where the two authors of this report will be present: Mietek P. Boduszyński and Victor Peskin.
Also part of the discussion will be former US Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, and Donika Emini from the Balkans Policy Advisory Group in Europe. /Telegraph/
