A group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced a resolution urging Greece and three other NATO members to recognize Kosovo’s independence, arguing that broader diplomatic recognition is key to advancing Pristina’s path toward NATO membership.
The initiative was led by Representatives Keith Self, Ritchie Torres and Mike Lawler, who said Kosovo’s democratic governance and alignment with Western institutions make it a strong candidate for integration into the alliance.
Pressure on four NATO members
Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain remain the only NATO member states that have not formally recognized Kosovo as an independent country.
The resolution calls on these allies to reconsider their positions, warning that continued non-recognition limits Kosovo’s ability to deepen its integration with NATO structures despite its stated commitment to regional stability.
Lawmakers said a unified stance within NATO would remove political obstacles and strengthen the alliance’s cohesion in Southeast Europe.
Strategic concerns in the Balkans
The resolution frames Kosovo’s potential accession as a strategic priority, arguing that the Western Balkans remain vulnerable to external influence and geopolitical competition.
It warns that the lack of full integration of Kosovo into Euro-Atlantic structures creates a security gap that could be exploited by rival powers.
“Kosovo has shown a clear commitment to regional stability and strategic alignment with NATO countries,” Keith Self said, adding that the country should be given a credible path toward membership.
Broader geopolitical implications
U.S. lawmakers argue that Kosovo’s inclusion in NATO would help reinforce stability in the Balkans and serve broader American and allied security interests.
They say expanding the alliance in Southeast Europe would act as a deterrent against destabilizing forces and reduce the risk of renewed tensions in the region.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has since been recognized by a majority of Western countries, though several EU and NATO members have withheld recognition, citing domestic and geopolitical concerns.