Kosovo continues to seek affirmation on the international stage. Nearly 18 years after declaring independence, several countries—particularly in the Islamic world—have yet to recognize it, while its diplomacy often appears fragmented and unclear.
This year, President Vjosa Osmani, responsible for foreign policy, confirmed recognition from three countries: Kenya in March, Sudan in April, and Syria in October. The last time Kosovo secured three recognitions within a single year was 2015, from the Cook Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and Niue. Over the past decade, Kosovo gained only six additional recognitions until this year.
During the previous government led by Albin Kurti (2021–2025), the official program promised to strengthen Kosovo’s international profile, including recognition efforts, diplomatic relations, UN membership, and multilateral cooperation. Near the end of his mandate, Kurti argued that new recognitions were not part of campaign promises, emphasizing that his government should be measured against employment and justice commitments.
Kosovo is currently recognized by 120 countries, yet the number of Muslim-majority states granting recognition remains relatively low, despite Kosovo itself being overwhelmingly Muslim. Before this year, the last Muslim-majority country to recognize Kosovo was Bangladesh in 2017.
Experts on Diplomatic Challenges
Former Kosovo ambassador to Italy, Albert Prenkaj, notes that Kosovo’s identification as a U.S.-backed project has sometimes conflicted with regional interests of Muslim-majority countries. He emphasizes that Kosovo’s “Islamic element” is largely secular and does not resonate with countries where religion plays a deeper societal role.
International relations scholar Butrint Berisha highlights historical factors: Serbia has inherited broad connections from the former Yugoslavia with Arab, African, and Asian countries, which it continues to leverage to block Kosovo’s diplomatic progress. Additionally, Belgrade has conducted campaigns to reverse recognition, producing some results according to Serbian officials, though unconfirmed by Kosovo.
Some countries, he adds, hesitate to recognize Kosovo due to their own internal territorial disputes. Morocco and Western Sahara serve as examples where sovereignty issues make states cautious about endorsing Kosovo’s independence.
Opportunities Ahead
The recognition of Kosovo by Syria followed a regime change and growing U.S. influence in the region. Experts suggest Kosovo should leverage such global shifts for diplomatic gain. Potential targets for new recognition include Lebanon, which now has a functioning government, and Azerbaijan, following a U.S.-mediated agreement with Armenia.
Prenkaj stresses that Kosovo has lacked a consistent strategy to present itself as a credible actor internationally. Coordination gaps between the Presidency, Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and key allies—including the U.S., U.K., and Turkey—have weakened recognition campaigns.
Since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo has been recognized by slightly more than half of the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while remaining unrecognized by Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and five EU countries (Greece, Spain, Romania, Slovakia, and Cyprus). Kosovo has joined organizations like the World Bank, IMF, and EBRD, but has not secured membership in UNESCO, Interpol, the Council of Europe, or the UN.
Experts agree that a multi-layered and sustainable strategy is essential for Kosovo’s international recognition. Berisha recommends combining traditional diplomacy with economic partnerships and engagement with non-state actors such as NGOs and celebrities.
Both Prenkaj and Berisha emphasize that new recognitions are crucial, signaling the state’s stability and its role as a regional stabilizing factor. Berisha notes that even in complex situations, such as Palestine, the number of recognitions retains symbolic and diplomatic importance, regardless of the on-the-ground reality.
In an era of shifting alliances and intense diplomatic competition, experts stress that Kosovo’s new government must coordinate closely with allies and act quickly whenever opportunities arise—similar to the recognition gained from Syria after its regime change. In diplomacy, timing is as critical as vision.
