Keith Self, Republican chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe in the U.S. House of Representatives, emphasized that the Western Balkans remain Europe’s most unstable region following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, highlighting that unresolved relations between Kosovo and Serbia continue to fuel regional tensions.
“Although open conflict has subsided since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, ethnic divisions, border disputes, and political mistrust continue to affect the region. Serbia’s unresolved relationship with Kosovo is a major driver of instability, creating a strategic line that Russia can exploit to undermine the EU’s and NATO’s ability to strengthen Balkan countries,” Self said.
He noted that the 2023 Ohrid Agreement, aimed at reducing tensions and reviving previous agreements, has stalled due to Kosovo’s electoral crisis and the failure to form a government after the February 25 elections. Self expressed hope that following the December 28 elections, a newly formed government would pave the way for Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s sovereignty.
Self also raised concerns regarding Kosovo’s hesitation to establish the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities and ongoing violations of Albanian rights in the Presevo Valley, noting that address passivation has been used as a tool to undermine the Albanian community. He warned that opponents of U.S. influence are exploiting these vulnerabilities to increase instability in the region.
Beyond Russian influence, Self highlighted the growing threat of Chinese involvement in the Balkans, including military exercises, arms transfers, and economic agreements that exploit local corruption.
Despite the challenges, Self described the Western Balkans as a region “often overlooked” but stressed that opportunities remain to enhance stability, peace, and prosperity, underlining the critical role of U.S. leadership.
