Kosovo is at a critical moment and urgently needs political and economic stability, according to Aidan Hehir, professor of international relations at the University of Westminster in London. He says that delays in forming new institutions following the February 9 elections severely damage the country’s image and international standing, giving an advantage to Serbia and destabilizing actors in the region, reports Rks News.
In an interview for Kosovapress, Hehir emphasized that Kosovo needs a strong government to face international challenges, especially given the uncertainty surrounding potential changes in U.S. foreign policy and rising tensions in the Western Balkans.
“A prolonged period without a government only strengthens the position of Kosovo’s enemies, particularly Serbia,” he said.
Hehir also harshly criticized the European Union’s decision to impose sanctions on Kosovo, calling them “an insult to democracy” and one of the most shameful moments in the EU’s history.
“There is no reason for Kosovo to be under sanctions. There is only one guilty party in the region that should be punished, and that is Serbia. The EU must stop its appeasement policy towards Vučić,” he stated.
Hehir warned that aggressive Serbian nationalism, supported by Belgrade and tolerated by the international community, is the main source of instability in the Balkans. He also cited Vučić’s recent visit to Moscow as an example of the EU’s failure to react to the Serbian president’s provocative actions.
In conclusion, Hehir appealed to political parties in Kosovo to put the national interest above partisan interests and to form new institutions as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences for the country both internationally and domestically.
