Muhaxhiri: Kosovo lacks support from allies in lobbying for new recognitions

Analyst Artan Muhaxhiri states that Kosovo has not secured new recognitions in the past few years because earlier recognitions were based on the support of its major allies, the United States and leading European countries, but he says that type of support is now lacking because the current Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, does not have the level of cooperation with the international community that previous governments had.

Kosovo's last recognition came from Israel on September 4, 2020, and diplomatic relations were established on February 1, 2021.

"Kosovo is a small country and lacks the resources to invest in lobbying for new recognitions. So far, new recognitions were based on the help of major allies, the US and leading European countries, and this was reciprocated by Kosovo's cooperation in dialogue and various geopolitical and geostrategic projects related to the Balkans. It was a sort of 'Quid pro quo' situation. However, the situation has changed. Prime Minister Kurti does not have the same level of cooperation with the international community that previous governments had, and now the support of the international community regarding new recognitions is missing. This is very unfavorable, but it is the reality," Muhaxhiri told Kosovo Online.

He believes that Prime Minister Kurti needs to change his approach to create positive momentum and hope for new recognitions and memberships in significant organizations.

"There was a great chance for Kosovo to become a member of the Council of Europe, but it was lost due to mediocre political gains. Without a change in approach, I don't think there will be positive changes in terms of new recognitions, not even from the five EU countries or smaller states on various continents, such as Asia or Africa. Without substantial lobbying, without significant financial investment and political resources, I don't think there will be any major changes in this regard," Muhaxhiri notes.

When asked whether any of Kosovo's allies are still lobbying for new recognitions or if they are waiting for the outcome of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, he says that there is no visible engagement from Kosovo's allies in terms of securing new recognitions, nor are there many discussions in diplomatic circles on this topic.

"That is why I think that if Kosovo showed more willingness to make progress in the dialogue, for new arrangements and agreements with Serbia and the international community, and if Kosovo ensured that already signed agreements became a reality, if there were significant steps forward, then discussions about new recognitions would follow. It was said that Greece was very close to recognition a few years ago, but now that option is no longer talked about, so I don’t think there will be a positive change in this aspect without Kosovo’s own efforts," Muhaxhiri concludes.