Washington’s decision to suspend its strategic dialogue with Kosovo is widely seen as a double-edged message: a move to distance itself from acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and a warning that international support for Pristina is not unconditional.
The U.S. Embassy in Pristina justified the measure by citing “concerns over the government’s actions and Kurti’s approach, which increase tensions and instability.” The suspension comes at a delicate moment, as Kurti’s Vetëvendosje (Self-Determination) movement seeks to form a new government after a contested parliamentary session.
Signal from Washington
“The United States wants to create distance from Kurti,” said Toby Vogel of the Berlin-based Democratization Policy Council. According to him, the U.S. administration is deliberately sending a signal of dissatisfaction with Kurti’s handling of international partners.
“With Hashim Thaçi, one phone call from Washington or Berlin was enough to implement a decision. Kurti is not that kind of leader. This is neither inherently good nor bad – but it makes him unwanted in both Brussels and Washington,” Vogel added.
He warned that Kosovo’s ties with the U.S. and the EU have soured not only because of Kurti’s principled stance but also due to frustration in Western capitals that “they can no longer dictate terms in Pristina.”
Domestic crisis, external pressure
Kosovo is also facing an institutional deadlock. The Constitutional Court is set to rule on whether the parliament was properly convened after the Serb List contested parts of the procedure. Lawmakers from Vetëvendosje accuse the court of political bias.
This institutional clash, analysts say, makes Washington’s suspension even more consequential, highlighting Kosovo’s vulnerability in front of its international partners.
Gëzim Visoka, a professor in Dublin, described the move as “another serious warning sign” for the government. “This is not the end of relations, but it shows that support is weakening. Kosovo never had a formalized strategic dialogue with the U.S. – even when relations were excellent. Washington has always tried to balance Serbia as well,” he said.
What’s next?
The key question is whether the suspension will trigger political change in Pristina. Vogel suggests Washington might be hoping for early elections, although the opposition “does not have the numbers” to form a government. “It’s not clear what exactly the Americans want to achieve – but it is clear this is pressure on Kurti,” he added.
President Vjosa Osmani called the decision “deeply disappointing.” She insisted that Kosovo remains committed to its partnership with the U.S., denying that the government acted against stability.
The government, for its part, stated that its actions were “in line with the Constitution and aimed at removing sources of instability.”
Wider context
The suspension comes as the EU and U.S. seek to maintain their influence in the Balkans, while Moscow and Ankara try to expand their roles. Instability in Kosovo adds to Western concerns as they grapple with ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East.
For Kosovo, the message is sobering: the country that has relied most heavily on U.S. support now faces a clear signal that such backing may come with conditions.