Islami: NATO Will Not Allow Another Crisis in Europe

The message from the NATO summit is that this alliance and the EU will not allow another crisis in Europe - neither in Bosnia and Herzegovina nor in Kosovo, Professor of Security Studies Avni Islami told Kosovo Online.

He notes that several messages were conveyed from the summit held in the US on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the formation of the North Atlantic Alliance, considered one of the most powerful alliances of all time, starting with the war in Ukraine, then the crisis in the Middle East, and of course, the message sent to the Western Balkans.

Islami says that in the Western Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potentially at high risk of destabilization, given that the policies of Serbia and Kosovo are not the same.

"Given that Serbia does not recognize the state of Kosovo, which has been internationally recognized by more than 100 countries, the talks are not progressing as they should to achieve a comprehensive agreement and mutual recognition. The message from the NATO summit is that this alliance and the EU will not allow another crisis in Europe, neither in Bosnia and Herzegovina nor in Kosovo. I believe the NATO summit was a clear message to Serbia and Kosovo to continue their mutual talks to achieve lasting peace not only in Kosovo and Serbia but also in Bosnia and the Western Balkans in general," Islami states.

He adds that Serbia is not interested in becoming part of NATO and the EU, as Serbia traditionally coordinates its policies with Russia.

"Russia is interested in expanding its influence in Kosovo, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Central Europe. So, there are two opposing policies," Islami emphasizes, adding that it is important to have discussions with the representatives of Kosovo and Serbia, "as well as to achieve lasting peace in Bosnia."