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Trump freezes aid to foreign countries – how is Kosovo affected by this decision?

Trump freezes aid to foreign countries – how is Kosovo affected by this decision?

The United States has frozen all foreign aid to various countries around the world for 90 days, including Ukraine, with the exception of Israel and Egypt.

An internal directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, introduced shortly after President Donald Trump's inauguration, emphasized an "America First" approach to overseas assistance.

According to her, the exceptions were intended only for food emergencies and military financing of Israel and Egypt.


And at no point does it specifically mention other countries that receive US military funding such as Ukraine or Taiwan, he writes. CNN, the Telegraph reports.

But this sweeping directive affects various categories of aid, including development and military support, particularly Ukraine, which had received significant arms funding under the previous Biden administration.

The suspension also halts U.S. funding for PEPFAR, the HIV/AIDS program that provides anti-retroviral treatments in developing countries, particularly throughout Africa.

PEPFAR, established during the presidency of George W Bush in 2003, has saved approximately 26 million lives and previously held broad bipartisan support in Washington.

The directive specifically does not affect military aid to Israel, whose support has increased since the Gaza conflict, and to Egypt, a recipient of significant U.S. defense funding since its 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

It is reported that Rubio included provisions for US food aid contributions, which have supported crisis-affected regions, including Sudan and Syria.

Democratic lawmakers pointed out that PEPFAR supports over 20 million individuals in need of treatment, while U.S.-funded anti-malaria initiatives help 63 million people.

Otherwise, American international assistance programs are implemented primarily through the United States Agency for International Development, USAID.

It is reported that USAID has invested more than $1 billion in Kosovo's development since 1999.

Meanwhile, in October last year, USAID marked the 25th anniversary of its establishment in Kosovo, where it has developed programs to fight corruption, the rule of law and good governance, combat disinformation and advocate for independent media, strengthen civil society and democracy, economic development and attract foreign investment.

Radio Free Europe has listed a number of activities that USAID is currently funding in Kosovo. Among them are:

Over $12 million in assistance to support legislative reforms and the establishment of the Commercial Court;

$15 million in assistance to improve inclusiveness and accountability in governance;

Over $13 million in assistance to address the challenges of corruption and good governance in municipalities;

Nearly $12 million in assistance to improve judicial independence and prioritize citizens' needs during judicial processes;

Over $16 million in assistance to promote good competition in domestic and international markets;

Over $13 million in assistance for citizen participation in local governance;

Nearly $12 million in assistance to increase institutional capacities for energy market development.

In August 2024, Kosovo's president, Vjosa Osmani, signed a grant with USAID that provided additional assistance to Kosovo's institutions worth $34.5 million.

The grant was part of a previously reached agreement worth around $146 million, which aimed to provide better services to citizens, increase institutional accountability, and ensure more efficient management. /Telegraph/