Lama: No one in the EU, not even France, wants a “headache” because of the Western Balkans

Analyst from Pristina, Alma Lama, stated for Kosovo Online that the political turbulences in France are reflected also in the foreign policy of that country, but that the Western Balkans and the question of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina are currently not priorities either for Brussels or for Paris. Nevertheless, political stability and security in this region remain at the top of their agenda because they do not want a “headache.”

“I do not believe that the Western Balkans is currently the highest priority for France or for the European Union. The main focus is on security, the war in Ukraine, conflicts such as the one in Gaza, and on broader international relations, where major geopolitical changes are taking place. Nevertheless, the eyes of Europe are following the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue. The internal political crisis in Serbia and Kosovo does not work in favor of that process,” Lama stated for Kosovo Online.

She explained that in Kosovo a government has not yet been formed nor has the parliament been constituted, and that a similar situation exists in Serbia, where “political instability fueled by protests” prevails.

“The dialogue is not a priority either for the countries of the region or for Brussels. Of course, political stability and security remain at the top of the agenda—no one wants new security challenges or additional headaches in the region,” Lama emphasized.

Commenting on the political crisis in France that culminated in the dismissal of the prime minister, Lama said that this country is going through “political turbulence” which is reflected also in its foreign policy.

“France, as one of the main states and actors in the European Union, is going through internal political turbulence that is reflected also in its foreign policy, primarily because this crisis arose from budgetary problems. On the one hand, the authorities wanted to reduce certain expenditures, and on the other to increase the budget for defense,” this analyst explained.

Lama pointed out that the question of security has become crucial for the entire EU.

“That pressure is rising because of the war in Ukraine, and France and President (Emmanuel) Macron are facing internal difficulties. Nevertheless, I believe that this is not the first time Macron has been in such a situation. He has already earlier managed to overcome similar crises and play an important role in shaping French foreign policy. Therefore, I do not look with great pessimism at how France will continue its foreign policy, especially regarding the question of Ukraine,” Lama believes.

She is convinced that, regardless of the fact that the whole situation “appears worrying,” the French president, together with other European leaders, will “persevere on the question of security.”

“The whole of Europe, with the support of the United Kingdom, is working on increasing allocations for armaments. That may not be good news in the context of the global arms race, but it is, in many people’s view, necessary. Therefore, I do not believe that France’s role on the international stage will be diminished,” Lama concluded.