Baraliu: Kosovo could quickly reach NATO membership through an indirect path

Political analyst Mazllum Baraliu stated that Kosovo, despite the requirement for unanimous consensus among NATO members, could become part of the Alliance through an indirect model due to shifting geopolitical circumstances, citing the Partnership for Peace as one possible avenue.

“Direct membership won’t be possible because of the obstacle posed by the four countries that haven’t recognized Kosovo, and also because the EU itself does not recognize Kosovo as such – five member states don’t. But through indirect means, Kosovo can improve its position and become capable of defending its territory in case of potential risks,” Baraliu told Kosovo Online.

Commenting on claims by American analysts that Kosovo could become a NATO member, Baraliu emphasizes that the prerequisites are already in place.

“It is clear that when there is goodwill, and when urgent needs arise, driven by geopolitical realities and international dynamics, a model can be found to advance relations indirectly. 
Through the Partnership for Peace, Kosovo can be engaged, because in reality, Kosovo is already linked to NATO. NATO is present in Kosovo,” he said.

He adds that Kosovo has “proven itself as a factor of peace and stability in the Balkans,” and that the Kosovo Security Force is strategically intended solely for defense and not for threatening anyone.

As a key argument, he points out that Kosovo is already a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

“Kosovo is already a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and it can also conclude specific agreements with NATO member states, such as the one currently being prepared. One agreement has already been signed with Albania and Croatia. But this is not at anyone’s expense, nor does it threaten anyone, it is purely defensive in nature. So progress can be made through indirect means, especially considering that by 2028, the ten-year development period will conclude, by which time the KSF will have met all the conditions to function as an army that aligns with NATO standards in spirit and strategy,” Baraliu explained.