Spahiu: I do not expect sudden changes in US policy toward Kosovo

Analyst Nexhmedin Spahiu does not expect any sudden changes in US foreign policy toward Kosovo or the rest of the Western Balkans following the Democrats’ victory in the US congressional midterm elections.

Spahiu told Kosovo Online that he particularly did not expect changes following the Students’ List’s rise to power in Belgrade, although he stressed that the change could affect political developments across the region, given that Serbia is the largest and most powerful country in the Western Balkans.

“America’s approach toward the Balkans is directly linked to who is in power in Serbia, as the key country in the region, and to the policies the new authorities in Belgrade will pursue,” he said.

According to Spahiu, the US congressional elections have created a balance in which the Democrats control the legislative branch, while the Republicans, through President Donald Trump, control the executive branch. For that reason, he does not expect any significant progress or increased pressure in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

“With Vucic, it was easier either to reach an agreement or end up in a war. With the new authorities in Belgrade, neither is likely. I do not see a risk of war, but the chances of reaching an agreement are also lower,” Spahiu concluded.