Kosovo faces unprecedented challenges under Trump

Following the increased tensions between Kosovo and the EU over the past couple of years, which prompted the EU to impose sanctions, there is a need to rebuild trust with Brussels. Additionally, there are potential shifts in EU enlargement policies due to internal challenges and external pressures. Nevertheless, the new prime minister must spare no efforts to mitigate any differences or conflicts between Kosovo and the five EU states that still do not recognize Kosovo-Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Romania, and Slovakia-to entice them to do so. Their recognition is a prerequisite whenever the time comes for Kosovo to join the EU.

It cannot be overemphasized that the new coalition government must develop a domestic agenda that enjoys a national consensus and commands a solid majority in the parliament to ensure its stability. Economic development, healthcare, education, and weeding out corruption must be prioritized, while soliciting the views of the opposition parties to prevent political attacks against the government to project national unity is a must.

Trump's second-term policy toward Kosovo and Serbia appears poised to amplify the transactional tactics of his first administration, prioritizing economic deals and symbolic wins over principled diplomacy. While this approach may yield short-term benefits, it risks worsening ethnic divisions, undermining international legal norms, and destabilizing a region still recovering from the traumas of the 1990s.

Ultimately, the Balkans' fragile peace hinges on whether Trump's deal-making instincts can be channeled toward inclusive, sustainable solutions-or whether they become the spark for renewed conflict. To preempt Trump's demands, the new prime minister should declare that he is ready and willing to work closely with the Trump administration and take a less nationalist attitude while working diligently to meet the EU's expectation to shield Kosovo from undue pressure from the Trump administration.

If Kurti forms a new government, he will hopefully have learned from his four years in office and will not repeat the same mistakes that rattled his relationships with the EU and the US.