Kljajic: Grenell’s statement signals a different U.S. approach to the Kosovo issue

Political scientist Vladimir Kljajic emphasized that the fact that U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell openly rejects the idea of mutual recognition between Serbia and Kosovo and stresses economic development as a priority can be interpreted as a departure from previous rhetoric.

U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell stated that the Donald Trump administration will take a “step-by-step” approach to the Kosovo issue, adding that, in his personal view, the idea of “mutual recognition is ridiculous” and that the focus should be on economic development.

Kljajic told Kurir that such an approach—openly rejecting the idea of mutual recognition, unlike the earlier stance that insisted Serbia must recognize Kosovo—signals a different approach by the U.S. administration to this issue.

“The dominant rhetoric previously placed recognition at the forefront. While this does not mean a complete change in U.S. policy, it signals a different approach, with a focus on practical projects and stability through economic ties,” Kljajic noted.

He added that it was a major success that Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week, recalling that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic signed the Washington Agreement in 2020 precisely through Richard Grenell’s mediation.

“Serbia now must engage even more actively in continuing the diplomatic offensive in order to reduce the 35% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, as well as to delay possible new tariffs on NIS,” Kljajic said.