Osmani: Trump's statements are a wake-up call for Europe

President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani stated that Kosovo and the region are now living in peace thanks to the United States and called on Europe to take America seriously.

She emphasized that Europe cannot succeed without the help of the US, so it must be more open to criticism and not take offense but instead find solutions.

“In a region that has never known peace, we now live in peace because of American leadership. Because of American leadership. So, when America comes to Europe with a ‘wake-up call,’ we must take it very, very seriously. Because it is, first and foremost, in our own interest to make sure that our children never have to go through what we had to endure in the past. Peace is something that must be preserved to ensure that all this work endures. And in that setting, I don’t think Europe can manage without the support of the United States. That is why we have to work together. We need to be a bit more open to criticism. But we must find ways to resolve these issues instead of just getting upset. So I think more and more European countries are open to resolving these matters,” Osmani said in an interview with journalist Mario Nawfal, as reported by Reporteri.

The ongoing statements by Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, according to Osmani, are a call for Europe to do more, not a threat, but she believes Trump will continue his commitment to NATO.

“The United States has made a historic contribution to a free Europe as a whole. That is a contribution no one can ever erase or question. And I think that because of that historic contribution that brought freedom to Europe, the United States has the right to speak up when there are things it believes go against the values it upholds. The statements by J.D. Vance or the repeated statements from President Trump do not, in any way, threaten Europe. Quite the opposite. I believe it’s a wake-up call for Europe to start doing more to strengthen its defense capabilities and thereby protect its own interests,” Osmani said.

She stressed that she does not believe the long-term relationship between Europe and the US is at risk.

“President Trump has a different way of doing things, a different approach to solving problems, and sometimes that turns out to be something we’ve deeply appreciated in the past. He will continue his commitment to NATO. The transatlantic relationship is important to all of us, but both sides have to contribute to it,” Osmani emphasized.

She also mentioned the warning from the new US administration about increasing defense spending, which, although it may seem difficult at first glance, will ultimately be greatly appreciated for the results it brings.

“The fact that they have announced an increase in defense spending, much of which will be made official at the NATO summit in June in the Netherlands, is a very, very welcome sign. And, of course, it is largely the result of the new administration’s approach. It might initially seem challenging, but in the end, I think we will be grateful for all the results,” Osmani concluded.