Selim Ibraimi- Despite the US position and decline in power in international politics, Washington seems to be developing new activities. These are occurring outside the usual international organizations created after World War II. Consequently, the US can achieve something good in certain regions of the world. Efforts include rebuilding Gaza and stabilizing the Balkan region. At the meeting of the “Peace Board” in Washington, US President Donald Trump, referring to the problem between Belgrade and Pristina, addressed President Vjosa Osmani with the words: “If you can’t do it, call me and we will solve it.”
President Vjosa Osmani, after the meeting with the deputy US State Department Secretary Christopher Landau, said in Washington: “I expressed the gratitude of the people of Kosovo for the law just signed by President Trump, which expressly states that there will be no partition, thus protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. Dialogue with Serbia must be based on mutual recognition and support for our membership in NATO.”
US Charge d’Affaires Anu Prattipati also met in Pristina with Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Glauk Konjufca to discuss strengthening US-Kosovo diplomatic ties. “We look forward to continuing to work with the ministry on shared priorities, including security, regional stability, and trade diplomacy.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, among others, said that President Trump has both the ability and willingness to use the power of his office to think “outside the box.”
The chances of doing something in this direction are very high. President Trump can put pressure on Belgrade and Pristina to reach some kind of agreement. This will also depend on international security. It will depend on how interested Kosovo is in doing more. This involves forcing Serbia to make compromises. “I met with President Vjosa Osmani and thanked her and the people of Kosovo for their commitment to peace and stability by being a founding member of the ‘Peace Board’.” I also thanked President Osmani for her contributions to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza,” announced in X, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting with President Vjosa Osmani. During the “Peace Board” meeting in Washington, there were no representatives from the most powerful European states.
The chances of normalizing Serbian-Kosovar relations may increase under Trump’s second presidency. Kosovo and Serbia have previously signed a series of agreements. However, these agreements have not had concrete effects. The September 2020 agreement in Washington under President Trump, which was intended to improve economic and political relations, was thwarted by the arrest of Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a speech in Washington at the “Peace Board” meeting, blamed prosecutor Jack Smith. Since then, nothing has moved forward in Serbian-Kosovar relations.
The time could be now. All opportunities must be well used. The administration of President Donald Trump is using non-traditional diplomatic tools. In this situation, it might be the right time for Kosovo and Serbia. They should take advantage of the atmosphere in Washington.
The EU has imposed sanctions on Kosovo since 2023. Since March 2023, with the Ohrid Agreement on the normalization of Serbian-Kosovar relations, no positive steps have been taken. Apart from signing an agreement on missing persons during the Kosovo war, we have no results from either side. The US, despite its internal problems, is interested in pushing for a political and economic agreement. This interest continues until the final settlement.
Meanwhile, Serbia is not part of the “Peace Board”. And this does not mean that Belgrade is not on good terms with Washington officials. In December 2025, Serbian Foreign Minister Marco Djuric held important meetings in Washington with senators, congressmen, and senior State Department officials. “Serbia attaches great importance to strengthening the comprehensive partnership with the US; the partnership (i.e.) remains one of the main pillars of our foreign policy engagement. Therefore, I sincerely welcome the strong energy and enthusiasm for the further development of our bilateral cooperation that Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau and I shared in our conversation,” Djuric announced in X. Belgrade officials have been seeking guarantees for Serbs by constantly lobbying the Association of Serbian Municipalities (AKS). Serbia is conducting a multi-vector diplomacy, recently focusing on India, the Middle East, and EU countries.
Kosovo is likely to benefit from the atmosphere in Washington under the Trump administration. Whether Kosovo’s politics will seize this moment remains to be seen.
Some officials in the EU have criticized Trump’s meeting in Washington, but for the sake of peace and to get out of the bureaucracy of the UN and other institutions, the timing is perfect and could go in favor of frozen conflicts. In this regard, the head of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, said: “From hybrid threats to demographic pressure and economic impact, our eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine are facing a multitude of challenges. We must support these regions and show our solidarity. Because our security lies in their strength, resilience, and stability.” “With today’s strategy for the eastern border regions, we are strengthening their security, while at the same time promoting regional growth and prosperity. To protect those who protect us.”
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