Political parties in Kosovo continue their campaigns ahead of the February 9 parliamentary elections, amid deep divisions over domestic and foreign policy issues.

Analysts suggest that the next government will face unprecedented challenges in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.

Geopolitical Pressures Mount

Engjellushe Morina from the European Council on Foreign Relations told Voice of America that recent elections in Europe and the United States have altered the geopolitical context, posing serious challenges for Kosovo.

“Regardless of which government emerges from Sunday’s elections, it must focus on Kosovo’s position in the Balkans and its Euro-Atlantic integration, despite uncertainties surrounding U.S. policy in Europe, particularly in the security sphere. Kosovo must be prepared to face these challenges,” she said.

Besar Gërgi from the Group for Legal and Political Studies emphasized that the new government must reconsider its foreign policy approach or work on better communication with allies.

“The next government must choose between a softer approach towards its northern neighbor or investing more in diplomacy and communication to avoid misunderstandings with its allies,” Gërgi said.

Strained Relations with the West

Since June 2023, Kosovo has been under EU sanctions due to its actions in Serb-majority northern municipalities. Senior U.S. officials from the Biden administration also warned of deteriorating relations due to the Kosovo government’s unilateral moves.

Opposition parties argue that Kosovo has never been in a worse position with its international partners since declaring independence. Their campaign platforms include restoring and strengthening ties with the U.S.

“Kosovo remains an independent and sovereign state, striving for NATO and EU membership, with an enduring friendship with the United States,” said Lumir Abdixhiku, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo.

Democratic Party of Kosovo leader Bedri Hamza pledged to “strengthen alliances with the U.S., EU, and all democratic nations.”

Ramush Haradinaj, head of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, took a sharper tone: “We must remove the deceiver because we want full and permanent security. We seek NATO membership and national strategic alignment with the U.S.”

Kurti Rejects Serb Municipality Association

Prime Minister Albin Kurti, seeking re-election, vowed to further strengthen strategic partnerships. However, during a rally in Mitrovica, he reiterated his refusal to establish the Association of Serb Municipalities, a longstanding demand from Western diplomats.

“Kosovo under our leadership says ‘never’ to ‘Zajednica’ and ‘yes’ to an Association of Kosovo Municipalities, which now includes northern Mitrovica,” Kurti stated.

Trump Envoy Calls Kosovo Government ‘Unreliable’

Richard Grenell, a special envoy for missions under former President Donald Trump, criticized Kurti’s administration, calling it unreliable.

“Kurti’s rhetoric, claiming he is closer to the U.S. than previous governments, is absolutely false. Don’t be fooled,” Grenell posted on social media.

The Prime Minister’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Besar Gërgi described Grenell’s statement as “unprecedented for a senior U.S. official in an election period,” suggesting it could be an attempt to influence Kosovo’s elections.

“It is concerning, given Grenell’s official role in the Trump administration. I hope someone in Washington understands the geopolitical importance of the Balkans,” added Engjellushe Morina.

Grenell, a key figure in the 2020 Kosovo-Serbia economic normalization agreement brokered at the White House, had previously accused Kurti of undermining U.S.-led efforts. Kurti, in turn, had claimed that Grenell played a role in the fall of his government in March 2020, a claim the diplomat has denied.