Gerxhaliu: Sanctions have placed Kosovo alongside Iran, Belarus, and Russia

Economic expert Safet Gerxhaliu from Pristina notes that the damage caused by the European Union sanctions against Kosovo is growing day by day and that the long-term consequences will be significant for both the economy and Kosovo's image.

Gerxhaliu says for Kosovo Online that Brussels' punitive measures integrate economic and political dimensions, suggesting that they should also be viewed from a psychological and emotional perspective.

"When we talk about how the citizens of Kosovo might feel today, I believe these barriers are precisely the worst thing that could have happened to Kosovo this year. Only Iran, Belarus, Russia, and other states that do not have democracy face such barriers from the EU. For Kosovo to be in the same category is the worst thing, and this needs to be resolved as soon as possible," Gerxhaliu states.

He emphasizes that the dialogue regarding Kosovo's accession and negotiations with the EU is frozen, while various projects and investments are also put on hold.

"The losses are getting bigger and bigger day by day. Perhaps this won't be visible or felt in the short term, but the mid-term and long-term consequences will be significant, to the detriment of Kosovo's economy and image. A recent survey was conducted in six European countries, where respondents expressed their views on Kosovo's EU membership. The results do not inspire optimism," our interlocutor notes.

He adds that political stability is crucial, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and dialogue, not only between Serbia and Kosovo but also with the US and the EU, as he believes there is no alternative to this approach.

"Only with coordination with them can we make positive decisions. If nothing else, we have hopefully learned that Americans are right even when we think they are not," Gerxhaliu says.

Commenting on whether the measures have harmed citizens, the economy, or the current government in Pristina the most, Gerxhaliu states that when Kosovo loses, everyone loses.

"We must work on lobbying and fulfill all EU requirements so that these measures become a thing of the past, not a reality and the future," he says.

When asked whether EU measures might have a political counter-effect, raising the rating of Self-Determination and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Gerxhaliu said that any measure from the EU and the US could not achieve effects in that context.

"Citizens know the reality, and I think the real measure of all this will be the next elections. When that will be, I don't know, but considering the upcoming elections in the US and the EU, maybe the next year will be an election year in Kosovo as well. Analyzing the budget for the next year, a certain portion goes to social benefits, and I think that is an indication that there will be elections in Kosovo too. Let the people vote and show what they think," Gerxhaliu concludes.