John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor who worked in the White House alongside then-President Donald J. Trump, in an exclusive interview with Gazeta Express, stated that it is difficult to predict whether the Western Balkans will be a priority at the start of Trump II’s administration. However, he emphasized that the region should remain a focal point for the White House as it is crucial for U.S. interests and European security. Bolton mentioned that it is essential for the new administration to be genuinely serious about finding ways to reach a permanent agreement. Otherwise, foreign actors with no interest in peace and stability in the region may intervene, making the already complex situation worse.
Bolton did not rule out the possibility that Richard Grenell could return to facilitate the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. When asked about the potential return of the border correction idea, Bolton said that it depends partly on who takes responsibility. According to him, if Grenell is involved due to his previous engagement, he would prioritize it. However, Bolton made it clear that any decision on such matters must come from Kosovo and Serbia themselves, as an externally imposed solution would risk not being sustainable in the long term.
Reflecting on the history of the border correction idea, Bolton shared that he first encountered the concept when former British Prime Minister Tony Blair brought it up during a visit to the White House, exploring whether Bolton could offer any assistance.
Regarding Kosovo and the U.S., Bolton stated that there would be a fresh perspective in the White House and the State Department during the new Trump administration. He believes Kosovo and all the countries in the region concerned with security should view this optimistically and approach existing problems from a different perspective.
In the interview, Bolton also discussed Trump’s recent controversial statements about the potential invasion of Canada and Greenland, calling such notions unfeasible. He emphasized that threats to U.S. and NATO security, particularly in the Arctic due to Russian and Chinese activities, are serious and need to be handled diplomatically rather than through public statements that hinder progress.
Bolton also touched on the ongoing war in Ukraine, where he suggested that while Trump may want to leave the conflict behind, he risks undermining Ukraine’s position if he is less concerned about the conditions of peace. Bolton expressed concern about the possibility of a ceasefire that leaves Russia in control of significant Ukrainian territory, which could have detrimental consequences for Ukraine and NATO.
Finally, discussing the Western Balkans, Bolton reflected on the challenges of achieving a permanent resolution to the Kosovo-Serbia dispute. He stressed the importance of a solution that is mutually acceptable to both sides, as any external solution would be fragile. Bolton also highlighted the economic and political challenges facing the region due to ongoing instability, making it more difficult to move forward with foreign investments, EU, and NATO accession.
