Mazreku: Grenell’s nomination is positive news for the Western Balkans

Professor of European Law Avni Mazreku stated that the nomination of Richard Grenell as a presidential envoy for special missions is positive news for the Western Balkans, despite the fact that his role will not be directly focused on the region.

"I consider Mr. Grenell's appointment positive news because he is familiar with the situation in the Balkans. He was well-known as the U.S. ambassador to Germany, where he dealt with European issues. This means he has the profile of a diplomat who is very well-acquainted with European affairs, including EU enlargement policies and NATO's role in the region," Mazreku told Kosovo Online.

Mazreku also recalled that Grenell was one of the key actors in achieving the Washington Agreement in 2021, signed on behalf of Pristina by then-Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti.

"Essentially, I believe these credentials place Mr. Grenell in a favorable position to address issues that are also of interest to us, in this case, matters concerning the Western Balkans, specifically the relations between Kosovo and Serbia," Mazreku stated.

According to him, Grenell’s new position should not be viewed solely through the lens of his potential role in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

"Regardless of that, I wouldn’t label it as a special mission for the Kosovo-Serbia issue or the Balkans as a whole, because this matter should have been resolved earlier. Unfortunately, there are still both open and unresolved issues concerning the Balkans," he explained.