Kosovo is included in several significant provisions of the United States’ draft National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for next year, which is expected to be finalized in Congress. In US policy toward the Western Balkans, Kosovo receives support for NATO and EU integration, backing in the dialogue with Serbia based on mutual recognition, as well as firm opposition to any idea of territorial partition or land swaps along ethnic lines.
The draft forms part of the broader US strategy to strengthen stability, security, and democratic development in the region.
In the 2026 draft National Defense Authorization Act, which is currently being finalized in Congress, key positions regarding Kosovo and the region are clearly outlined.
Former Kosovo MP and Albanian-American activist Faton Bislimi announced that the United States’ positions toward Kosovo and the Western Balkans have now been codified in the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA.
Bislimi emphasized that the NDAA—considered one of the most important pieces of US legislation—has already passed the Senate and is now in its final stage in Congress.
Once approved by the House of Representatives, the bill will be forwarded to the US President for signing into law.
The draft, spanning over 3,000 pages, includes detailed provisions related to US national security—ranging from military equipment procurement and troop salaries to defense strategies and the defense budget. It also contains a dedicated section that formally codifies US policy toward the Western Balkans and Kosovo, RTK reports.
The NDAA affirms strong support for Kosovo and other countries in the region on their paths toward NATO and EU integration. The United States will support the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue based on mutual recognition and will oppose any ideas of partition or territorial exchange along ethnic lines. According to the document, the US will push for progress in implementing agreements and is prepared to launch a strategic dialogue and economic initiatives in the region.
This draft is part of the US strategy to enhance stability, security, and democratic development across the Western Balkans.
