Dimitar Keranov, president of the Institute of Political Sciences in Varna, Bulgaria, has called for stronger cooperation between Bulgaria, Albania and Kosovo, arguing that Kosovo’s stability and European integration are important elements for regional security in the Western Balkans.
In an analysis focused on democracy, state capture and Russian and Chinese influence in Central and Eastern Europe, Keranov said that relations between Sofia, Tirana and Prishtina represent a rare opportunity for strategic cooperation in a region often marked by historical disputes and political tensions.
“Bulgaria’s relations with Albania and Kosovo are unique in the Balkans. They are not burdened by territorial disputes, competing historical claims or bilateral conflicts. This gives Sofia, Tirana and Prishtina political space for cooperation that is rare in the region,” Keranov wrote.
He noted that Bulgaria recognized Kosovo’s independence on March 20, 2008, later upgrading its liaison office in Prishtina to embassy level, and has consistently supported Kosovo’s participation in regional and international forums.
According to Keranov, Sofia views the development of a stable and democratic Kosovo as an important component of the Balkan security architecture.
He also highlighted Bulgaria’s relations with Albania, based on the 1993 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, as well as Albania’s recognition of the Bulgarian minority through its 2017 law on national minorities. He said this created a legal foundation for protecting Bulgarian identity, language and culture.
Keranov argued that the current moment provides an opportunity to transform these positive relations into a clearer strategic partnership.
He pointed out that Albania has advanced significantly in its European Union accession process, while Kosovo faces a different path after applying for EU membership in December 2022. He stressed that Kosovo still awaits the Council of the EU’s request for the European Commission to issue an opinion on its application, which is a necessary procedural step for further progress.
However, he noted that Kosovo citizens have benefited from visa-free travel to the Schengen area since January 2024, describing this as an important achievement on the country’s European path.
“Bulgaria should not treat Albania and Kosovo as one political issue. Albania is a candidate country entering the most demanding phase of accession, where alignment with EU rules must be accompanied by administrative capacities, effective institutions and credible implementation,” Keranov said.
Regarding Kosovo, he argued that Prishtina needs a different form of support — continuous backing for its European perspective, not only through political statements but through concrete institutional engagement.
