The United States Embassy in Pristina has stated that it is ready to strengthen its partnership with Kosovo’s future government and to resume the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries.
However, in a response to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Embassy emphasized that achieving this goal will require concrete actions by Kosovo’s government that “advance the shared agenda for peace and regional stability,” as well as “mutual economic prosperity.”
These views were expressed in response to a question about how the United States plans to cooperate with Kosovo’s next government, which is expected to be formed following the early parliamentary elections of December 28.
In those elections, the Vetëvendosje Movement, led by acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, won more than 51 percent of the vote. The party has stated that it aims to swiftly form new institutions.
Vote counting was completed on January 9, but the electoral process has not yet been officially concluded due to legal deadlines for complaints and the certification of results.
Kurti and the Vetëvendosje Movement also led Kosovo’s government during the 2021–2025 period.
Much of the past year was marked by a caretaker government, as Kurti—despite winning the February 9, 2025 elections—was unable to form a new government, leading to the dissolution of the Assembly and the calling of early elections.
During its previous mandate, Kurti’s government frequently faced criticism from international partners, particularly over actions described as uncoordinated and unilateral.
Measures such as the closure of most Serbian institutions in Kosovo and the removal of the Serbian dinar from circulation were seen as harmful to the Serbian community and as contributing to increased tensions in the north of the country.
At one point, criticism went so far as to raise concerns about a possible strain in relations between Kosovo and the United States.
Nevertheless, Kurti has consistently insisted that the U.S. remains Kosovo’s main partner, while acknowledging differences in approach on certain issues.
Last year, the United States took one of its strongest measures toward Kosovo by suspending the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries—a mechanism designed to deepen bilateral relations.
Washington linked this decision to the actions of Kosovo’s caretaker government amid institutional paralysis and rising tensions in the country, a characterization that the Kosovo government has rejected. /RFE/RL/
