The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, has formally welcomed a new resolution introduced in the United States Congress that advocates for Kosovo’s swift integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
In a statement released on Friday, May 1, 2026, Haxhiu expressed deep gratitude to U.S. lawmakers for their proactive stance on Kosovo’s security and sovereign future.
“I welcome the presentation of the resolution in the American Congress in support of Kosovo’s membership in NATO. Gratitude to Representatives Keith Self, Ritchie Torres, and Mike Lawler for their leadership and for the continuous support for Kosovo to take its rightful place in the Euro-Atlantic family,” Haxhiu stated.
A Tri-Partisan Effort in Washington
The resolution was introduced late yesterday by Congressman Keith Self (R-TX), Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY). The document presents a robust argument for Kosovo’s inclusion in the alliance, citing the country’s progress in democratic governance and military standards.
Key Pillars of the Resolution:
- Democratic Governance: Asserts that Kosovo’s institutional maturity and civil oversight of security forces align with NATO’s core values.
- Multi-Ethnic Coexistence: Highlights Kosovo’s commitment to a multi-ethnic society as a stabilizing factor in the Western Balkans.
- Regional Deterrence: Positions Kosovo’s membership as a vital counterweight to hostile actors attempting to destabilize the region, arguing that inclusion would prevent further conflict in the Balkans.
Strategic Context: Security in the Balkans
The move in Washington comes at a critical time for regional security. As geopolitical tensions rise across Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the resolution emphasizes that integrating Kosovo into the NATO alliance is a preventative measure against “hostile efforts” and potential “global catastrophes.”
For the leadership in Prishtina, this resolution represents a significant diplomatic victory. It reinforces the argument that Kosovo is no longer just a consumer of security provided by the KFOR mission, but a potential contributor to the collective defense of the Euro-Atlantic region.
What’s Next?
The resolution will now move through the relevant committees in the U.S. House of Representatives. While the document is non-binding, its passage would signal a powerful consensus in Washington, pressuring the executive branch and NATO’s four non-recognizing member states to reconsider their stance on Kosovo’s path to membership.
