Pavkovic: Lifting tariffs will not contribute to a thaw in Pristina-Washington relations

Milos Pavkovic, an associate of the Center for European Policy in Belgrade, stated that lifting tariffs on goods from the United States will not contribute to a thaw in relations between Pristina and Washington. He pointed out that Kosovo is facing a serious political and economic crisis, partly as a result of deteriorating relations with its allies.

On August 1, the caretaker government of Kosovo decided to abolish the ten percent tariff on American products. Pavkovic does not believe that this move sent a strong political message to the new US administration.

“It doesn’t seem like a strong political message to me, but rather the only message available to the caretaker government in Pristina. Essentially, the relations between the leadership in Pristina and the administration in the White House are so damaged that this will not contribute to improving relations. Especially when we consider that the trade exchange is at the level of a statistical error,” Pavkovic told Kosovo Online.

Asked whether this gesture could lead to a shift in the new American administration's stance toward Albin Kurti, Pavkovic was skeptical.

“I don’t have high expectations that this could in any way influence a change in US policy toward Kosovo, especially toward Kurti and his caretaker government,” Pavkovic said.

He clarified that, beyond the issue of US tariffs, Kosovo is currently facing a far more serious political and economic crisis.

“The constitutional crisis, the inability to form a parliament and consequently a government, is the first issue. We see that for more than six months and over 50 attempts, the parliament has not been constituted, and we are most likely heading for new parliamentary elections, which are once again uncertain and potentially bring a new political crisis,” Pavkovic stated.

He highlighted the economic situation as a second major issue.

“The economy is not progressing, unemployment is high. Essentially, there is no industry that could drive economic growth. When we add to this the deteriorating relations with key allies, primarily the US, but also France and Germany, the outlook for Kosovo is bleak,” he explained.

He also pointed to additional issues, such as Kosovo's inability to gain membership in international organizations, the lack of new recognitions, and strained relations with Serbia.

“All of these are issues currently burdening Kosovo,” Pavkovic said.