Shahini: American aid will be permanently terminated only for those not aligned with US policy

Agim Shahini, President of the Kosovo Business Alliance, assesses that the decision to suspend most American subsidies for 90 days, signed by United States Secretary of State Mark Rubio, will have a significantly negative impact on Kosovo, a recipient of US aid, as well as the entire Balkans. However, he notes that aid will only be permanently discontinued for those not in alignment with American policy.

"It is likely that the Trump administration will review the direction of this aid and whether those receiving it are grateful to the US. If they find that the policy of a country receiving aid is not aligned with US policy, they will certainly permanently discontinue that aid," says Shahini.

According to him, the White House decision will definitely affect projects implemented through the USAID agency, and will also impact the assistance provided to Kosovo's military and police, as well as funds aimed at students or other parts of society.

"However, I believe that the US will have a good policy towards Kosovo. Everything will also depend on how the new government in Kosovo behaves towards the US state and the White House. The new Kosovar government needs to be careful, serious, and specific in what it wants, whether it is serious and whether it is a government that the US can trust. If we end up with a government that is not aligned with the American spirit and Trump’s policy, then we will not have good days ahead," evaluates Shahini.