Following a visit to Belgrade and discussions with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, James O’Brien, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, and Angelina Eichhorst, Director-General for Europe in the European External Action Service (EEAS), are set to arrive in Prishtina on the next leg of their diplomatic mission in the Western Balkans. The duo is expected to meet with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, aiming to address the rising regional tensions and explore pathways for dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
This visit comes at a critical time amid ongoing tensions between Prishtina and Belgrade, particularly following recent incidents in Northern Kosovo that have strained relations. The international community has intensified diplomatic efforts to mediate between the two sides, stressing the importance of continued dialogue and adherence to previously reached agreements, such as the EU-facilitated Brussels Agreement.
In Belgrade, O’Brien and Eichhorst engaged in what Serbian President Vučić described as an “excellent” meeting, focusing on regional political dynamics, the situation in Kosovo, and the need to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Vučić highlighted these discussions on his Instagram account, emphasizing their focus on political stability, regional cooperation, and Serbia’s strategic interests amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes.
Prishtina’s expectations from the visit are centered around reiterating Kosovo’s commitment to EU-led negotiations, while pressing for greater clarity on the status of the Brussels agreements and seeking increased international support against perceived destabilizing activities orchestrated by Belgrade. Prime Minister Kurti is likely to raise the issue of Kosovo’s sovereignty and call for enhanced international backing, as well as reaffirm Kosovo’s aspirations for EU and NATO integration.
The visit by O’Brien and Eichhorst is part of a broader diplomatic push by the US and the EU to ease tensions in the Western Balkans, at a time when international stability is being threatened by wider geopolitical shifts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. It also underscores the strategic interest of both Washington and Brussels in preventing an escalation of the conflict and promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and security integration in the Western Balkans.
The outcome of these meetings in Belgrade and Prishtina will be closely watched, as they could signal the next steps in ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and to foster broader regional stability in an increasingly complex international environment.
