In his latest appearance on Blic Interview with Astrit Gashi, Enver Hoxhaj, former Minister and current member of the Kosovo Assembly from the ranks of PDK, discussed Kosovo’s possibilities and challenges regarding NATO membership. He emphasized that Kosovo’s foreign policy should be dynamic and aligned with its American and European partners.
Hoxhaj highlighted one of the greatest contributions of Donald Trump to Kosovo: the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into the Kosovo Army and the recognition of Israel.
“We make a mistake if we misinterpret Trump. From President Trump, we have the transformation of the KSF into the Kosovo army. For the first time in a letter from U.S. presidents, the dialogue must end with mutual recognition. He also recognized Israel. In the region, Montenegro and North Macedonia are NATO members. Trump’s unpredictable policy contrasts sharply with how Europe views him, and how he views Europe. Europe has failed over the past 30 years since the end of the Cold War to find a geopolitical mission. Even the war in Ukraine hasn’t awakened Europe geopolitically. I see Trump as an opportunity if we adapt to what is happening. We should build on his first mandate as a foundation to seek more support and attention from the U.S.,” he said.
Looking ahead for Kosovo, Hoxhaj is optimistic that with a responsible government and a focused foreign policy, Kosovo could make significant progress in its NATO membership process.
“I see it as very possible that with a credible policy and prime minister, Kosovo could not fully conclude the NATO membership process in the coming years. However, in 2027, there will be a major NATO summit in Albania. If we have a responsible government in 2025 and 2026, and a dynamic foreign policy, I do not rule out the possibility that Kosovo could be placed on the agenda of the NATO Summit in Tirana in 2027,” he emphasized.
He also stressed that during the 2027 NATO summit in Albania, a deadline could be set for the completion of Kosovo’s membership process into the military alliance.
Hoxhaj further noted that in the next two years, Kosovo must insist on signing a Membership Action Plan (MAP) with NATO, similar to the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the European Union.
“I am confident that with determination and coordination with the U.S. and Europe, 2027 could be the year to lay the foundation for Kosovo’s NATO membership, and we could receive the green light to complete the process. During 2025 and 2026, we need to insist on signing a Membership Action Plan, which is a contractual agreement between Kosovo and NATO, just as the SAA is with the European Union. Kosovo has never signed a Membership Action Plan with NATO. I see it as possible that during these two years, the groundwork can be laid, and by the Tirana summit, we could have an approximate timeline for when Kosovo could join NATO,” he stated.
According to Hoxhaj, the letter from President Trump to President Osmani, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic orientation, is a positive step for Kosovo’s future.
He believes that with strong commitment and close coordination with the U.S. and the European Union, Kosovo can take the necessary steps toward NATO membership and establish a foundation for this goal at the 2027 summit in Tirana.
“Considering President Trump’s letter to President Osmani, the only line that says the U.S. is determined to engage further in Kosovo is the famous phrase about Euro-Atlantic orientation. And Euro-Atlantic orientation, where the U.S. plays a role, is NATO membership. I do not see NATO as being taken off the table for the Balkan countries. On the contrary, I see it as possible to accelerate if this administration remains committed to Europe,” concluded Hoxhaj.
