What Happens to Kosovo When Europe Shifts Its Focus?

In recent weeks, the idea of a European mission in Ukraine has gained momentum, raising questions about the potential impact this could have on the security of the Balkans, including Kosovo. With efforts underway to send European troops to Ukraine, another issue that arises is how this new focus could affect Kosovo’s security, especially regarding international resources and attention.

Kosovo, which has had a large presence of NATO forces for almost two decades, might face a challenge if Europe’s security priorities shift more toward the East, to Ukraine. With more than 4,600 peacekeepers from NATO, most of them Europeans like Italy, Hungary, Germany, Poland, and Switzerland, KFOR has played a key role in ensuring Kosovo’s stability after the war.

However, as European forces might be deployed to Ukraine, some analysts believe that a reassessment of the military presence in the Balkans may occur. NATO’s chief, Mark Rutte, emphasized that NATO’s commitment to the region remains strong, but it is still unclear how the deployment of European troops to Ukraine would affect the Balkans. Other issues that need to be discussed include whether Europe will reassess its resources and commitment to the region, and what might happen if these military efforts to assist Ukraine affect the broader Western Balkans.

For Kosovo, the possible threat from a reassessment of international engagement forces it to take steps to ensure that its security is not compromised. According to experts, one opportunity Kosovo might consider is strengthening its military capabilities and diplomatic strategies to maintain support from Western allies.

In this context, experts like Tim Less from the University of Cambridge suggest that Kosovo must maintain strong lobbying efforts in the West, emphasizing the threat Serbia poses to regional stability. Kosovo may also need to invest in its own security and build a strong military to be prepared to face any potential risks.

If Europe shifts its focus more toward Ukraine, it could send a clear message to Serbia that there will be fewer obstacles to advancing its political objectives in the region. Meanwhile, Russia, through its support of Serbia, may continue to aim to prevent NATO’s expansion and increase its influence in the region.

In this uncertain climate, the challenge for Kosovo and the Western Balkans is to maintain a careful balance between domestic and international interests, ensuring ongoing international partnerships while strengthening their own security. This is a crucial step to preserve stability and ensure that the Balkans remain an integrated part of Europe and NATO, without leaving room for the strengthening of Russian influence and destabilization of the region.