Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker stated that while the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is important, he does not believe it will be a priority for Donald Trump’s new administration.
The U.S. focus will be on security and prosperity, alongside support for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans, he emphasized. According to Reeker, the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia has produced good agreements, but their implementation remains a significant challenge.
The American diplomat assessed the current situation, following the formation of the new European Commission and Donald Trump’s return to leading the U.S. administration, as an important moment to consider the next steps in addressing challenges in the Western Balkans.
“I don’t think the issue of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will be at the top of the U.S. administration’s agenda. The United States is trying to help Western Balkan countries overcome past problems and find a path toward a better future for their citizens,” Reeker told RTK.
Reeker, who attended the Security Conference in Belgrade, stated that President Trump’s primary focus will be security and prosperity, in line with his “America First” policy.
“President Trump has clearly outlined priorities centered on what is important for America and its citizens. This is not complete isolationism, but people should temper their expectations that the U.S. will solve their problems. The world today faces significant geopolitical challenges requiring urgent attention,” Reeker said.
Reeker, who previously served as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, stressed that dialogue under the European Union remains the key tool for resolving issues between Belgrade and Pristina, but he expressed concern over slow progress.
“The dialogue has resulted in good agreements, but we haven’t seen the expected progress in their implementation. There’s an obligation to take concrete steps. Why wait another decade to resolve issues that, from a global perspective, are relatively simple? Consider the challenges we face today on the planet, and yet you are concerned with license plates or the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. Conclude these processes and seize the opportunities ahead of you,” Reeker said.
Discussing the consequences of the war in Ukraine, Reeker highlighted the need to strengthen Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans to maintain regional stability.
“Vladimir Putin’s Russia attacked its neighbor, attempting to strip the independence and sovereignty of an internationally recognized state. This reminds us of the importance of integrating Western Balkan countries into Euro-Atlantic institutions such as NATO and the EU, which provide structure, stability, and prosperity,” Reeker stated.
He added that the stability of the region is crucial not only for local communities but also for broader European security.
“NATO has ensured an unprecedented period of stability and security in the transatlantic area. This has not been a threat to Russia but an opportunity for mutual progress,” Reeker said, warning that unresolved problems could open the door to destabilization that leaders like Putin could exploit.
The American diplomat emphasized that leaders in the Western Balkans must not miss opportunities to resolve issues hindering progress.
