Kamberi: Failure to implement the Ohrid Agreement opens the door for other solutions, including territorial exchange

Belgzim Kamberi, an associate of the "Musine Kokalari" Institute, stated that a territorial solution for Ukraine could have implications for Kosovo only if Pristina and Belgrade decide not to implement the agreements outlined in the Ohrid Agreement. He emphasized that much will depend on the future stance of the EU, the US, and Russia regarding unresolved issues in the Western Balkans.

"We need to see how the issue of Ukraine will be resolved – whether it will be settled with or without the European Union, and more importantly, whether it will involve border changes or respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Another key point is whether this resolution will have a 'ricochet effect' on the Balkans and the issues in the former Yugoslav region, whether in Kosovo or Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that case, a scenario like this could only arise if the Ohrid Agreement, a European plan agreed upon by President Vucic and Prime Minister Kurti, is not implemented," Kamberi told Kosovo Online.

He points out that if the Ohrid Agreement is not implemented, other solutions could come into play.

"One possible scenario could involve border changes or territorial exchange. But first, we need to see whether this region will remain within the scope of European Union-led solutions or if a resolution will be reached through the influence of both the US and Russia," Kamberi said.

The key question, he notes, is whether the EU or the US will take the lead in resolving outstanding issues in the Western Balkans.

"Will it remain under the jurisdiction of the European Union, or will the US intervene?" he clarified.

Kamberi believes that the EU opposes border changes but reminds that the US has previously held this position as well.

"First, we need to see whether the US would accept such a solution for Ukraine. If so, it would mean that the US has altered its stance on this criterion. Next, we must see whether the EU would accept such a solution for Ukraine, and then whether they would extend that logic to the Balkans, which is part of the European continent," Kamberi emphasized.

According to him, much will become clearer once negotiations for ending the war in Ukraine are finalized, as well as when the new US administration presents its vision for Europe.

"One possible scenario is that Trump may leave the resolution of European continent issues to the European Union, without US involvement. However, we have not yet reached the point where the US and EU are discussing the Trump administration’s vision for the Balkans. Right now, the focus is more on Ukraine. In the coming months, we will see what the Trump administration's vision is and whether the US and Russia will reach some sort of agreement on the Balkans, whether they will intervene in resolving outstanding issues or leave it to the European Union," Kamberi concluded.