By: Agon Maliqi
Kosovo, besides being under restrictive measures from the EU, is now also affected by the temporary suspension of USAID activities and American aid worldwide—raising further questions about whether and how these programs will continue in the long run. (Trump, for example, has stated he wants to shut down USAID altogether.)
The cynics among us have focused on how these measures impact civil society, with some even taking pleasure in the idea that NGOs might be left without funding. But they should keep in mind that USAID directs the vast majority of its programs toward state institutions (the government, courts, prosecutors, and municipalities) and the private sector (especially exporters), while most civil society funding comes from independent foundations rather than the U.S. government itself. Beyond that, the U.S. is the largest shareholder in the World Bank, which could also be affected by aid cuts, and it runs the major MCC program in Kosovo as well.
The average Kosovar might not realize just how much of what exists today—from institutional services to export growth in various industries—wouldn’t have been possible without support from USAID, the EU, or the World Bank. These aren’t just financial contributions; they bring expertise that Kosovo simply does not have. Now, many reforms and infrastructure projects will stall, and essential services may deteriorate. Some programs may continue, and Kosovo has built up some of its own capacities, but the economic impact of this situation will be felt immediately—both by professionals losing their jobs and the businesses that serve them.
Whoever comes to power after Sunday’s elections needs a plan to navigate this economic and institutional reality. But beyond that, they must read this situation for what it is: a clear political signal that we are dealing with a U.S. administration that has no mercy for those it perceives as taking American support for granted, even in the realm of security. This is an administration that does not see much justification for maintaining U.S. forces in Europe. Until now, the idea of an American troop withdrawal from KFOR has been laughed off as fear-mongering propaganda. But as of January 20, it is a very real possibility.
