Edward P. Joseph, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, believes recent political developments in Serbia could prompt Washington to reconsider its policy towards Belgrade and increase its involvement in efforts to stabilise relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe (RFE/RL), Joseph said he expects the US Congress, now under Democratic control, to exert greater pressure for a review of President Donald Trump’s administration’s policy towards Serbia.
According to Joseph, political changes in Serbia could draw greater attention from Washington to the Western Balkans and create opportunities for stronger US engagement in relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
In this context, Joseph urged Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti to take advantage of the changing political circumstances and reconsider his approach towards the Serb community in Kosovo.
He argued that Kurti has a rare opportunity to take the initiative and introduce policies aimed at improving relations both with Kosovo Serbs and with Serbia.
“Kurti has a rare opportunity to take the initiative and propose new policies that would improve relations with both Kosovo Serbs and Serbia. On the other hand, if he continues with his current approach, Kosovo will face greater pressure and criticism,” Joseph told RFE/RL.
Meanwhile, the Student List won Serbia’s parliamentary elections on October 25, bringing an end to 14 years of rule by Aleksandar Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
The political shift could open a new chapter in regional relations and potentially influence the level of US involvement in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.
