Vujinovic: The US remains in Kosovo, but expects Europe to assume greater responsibility

Security studies researcher Nikola Vujinovic does not expect the United States to withdraw from Kosovo and tells Kosovo Online that reports suggesting such a move are an attempt by America to push the European Union to assume greater responsibility on the continent and within NATO.

Responding to the question of why information appeared that the US had requested a reduction of NATO missions, including in Kosovo, Vujinovic says this concerns a new redistribution of roles within the Alliance.

“Primarily because of relations within NATO. The US wants a reconfiguration of relations in Europe. They want European allies to take on more responsibility. Accordingly, at all points where they are present in Europe, they insist that Europeans assume a greater burden,” he said.

The European Union, Vujinovic notes, wants to demonstrate its importance to the United States, and the Western Balkans is one of the few places where this is possible.

“On the other hand, this is also an internal political matter within the EU, because they want to show their significance, and the Western Balkans is the only place where they can demonstrate that significance. Therefore, they are much more assertive toward the US here than in other parts of the world, primarily in Eastern Europe. I believe this news is just one part of the negotiations,” he says.

Vujinovic assesses that the US will not withdraw from Kosovo, and that such a move would create risks for the entire region.

“The US will not withdraw from Kosovo and Metohija and, in my firm belief, it would be very negative if that were to happen. The situation in the world is such that it would create yet another flashpoint that we do not need at this moment, not only as the Republic of Serbia, but for the Serbian people as a whole and for the region. I believe this is merely a diplomatic step in negotiations between European allies and the US so that Europe assumes greater responsibility, because there is no operationalization, we are receiving only statements,” he said.

He also pointed to statements by unnamed officials that a withdrawal will not occur, but still expects certain changes.

“There will certainly be some changes, but changes have been ongoing since 1999 and have never meant anything excessively significant for the security of Kosovo and Metohija,” Vujinovic concluded.