By Andrew Gray
In an exclusive interview with Multibagger, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Western officials of "appeasement" towards Serbia, driven by exaggerated fears of Belgrade moving closer to Moscow. He highlighted the European Union's failure to act as a referee in enforcing an EU-brokered deal to normalize relations between the two Balkan countries.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Serbia has tried to balance its ties with Moscow and the West, a major source of investment. Despite not joining Western sanctions against Russia, Serbia has condemned the invasion. However, Serbian munitions have reached Ukrainian forces, raising concerns.
Kurti has rejected blame for the stalled deal between Serbia and Kosovo, signed in Ohrid, North Macedonia, last year. He criticized the West for overlooking Serbian violations of the agreement and urged Brussels to step up as a referee.
Despite Kosovo declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, Serbia does not recognize it, backed diplomatically by Russia. Kurti criticized Western diplomats for showing too much caution or fear towards the Kremlin in their approach to Serbia.
The EU imposed restrictions on economic aid and meetings with Kurti's government last year, holding him accountable for violence in northern Kosovo. Kurti has been criticized for not establishing a self-governing association for Serb-majority municipalities, a key point of contention.
In the interview, Kurti expressed willingness to discuss self-management for Serbs while protecting Kosovo's sovereignty. He emphasized the need for Belgrade to honor a range of agreements with Kosovo, including opening the main bridge in Mitrovica, symbolizing division in the region.
Kurti's push to open the bridge to road traffic has faced opposition from the West, fearing violence. He accused Serbia of wanting to keep the bridge closed to maintain the dream of partitioning Kosovo. Kurti emphasized the importance of opening the bridge for Kosovo's normalization.
Analysis:
Albin Kurti's criticism of Western appeasement towards Serbia sheds light on the complexities of Balkan geopolitics. The failure to enforce agreements between Serbia and Kosovo not only hampers regional stability but also affects Kosovo's path to normalization and sovereignty. By calling for action against Serbian violations, Kurti highlights the need for a balanced approach that safeguards Kosovo's interests while promoting dialogue with Serbia.