Albanian Daily News had an exclusive interview with the National Security Expert, Drizan Shala PhD.c (University in Sarajevo BiH, Criminology Faculty, Executive Director - Association of Criminal law, Criminologists and Victimologists of Kosovo- ASKK) with whom we shared views on the elections in Kosovo held on February 9, 2025. According to preliminary results the incumbent PM Albin Kurti and his party Self Determination won the elections but there is a decline of support compared with the previous elections. So as a result, it will be a hard task the formation of a coalition government. Anyway. time will show how much Kurti will be able to succeed in such an endeavor.

Asked about the tense relationship of Kosovo with the US the security expert said: "The irreplaceable role of the USA for the security of Kosovo, especially in the context of international defense force KFOR, is a key aspect of Kosovo's stability and the Balkan region. Although the tensions between the government of Albin Kurti and of the USA, including the harsh campaign against Richard Grenell, in the period of 2019 and now as the special envoy of the USA, have created an atmosphere of

tense international relations and that Kosovo may lose support for integration into NATO, therefore the role of Washington in the security of Kosovo remains one critical factor with continuous influence."

Asked about the relations between Kosovo and Albania, Mr. Shala said they have always been close and will continue to remain a key aspect of foreign policy for both countries. "After the 2025 elections, it will be important to see how these relations will develop in the context of a new government in Kosovo and possible changes in Albania. However, Albania's commitment to continuous support for Kosovo remains a key factor in strengthening stability and common regional development," it is stressed in the following interview:

Albanian Daily News: The incumbent Premier Albin Kurti of Self Determination has won a second mandate, preliminary results showed on February 9, 2025. Mr. Drizan please which are the main

reasons of such a victory despite a decline of support as compared with previous election, and the perspective of his premiership for another mandate when his prior election campaign was full of enmity even by the US, the EU officials let alone domestic opposition?

Security Expert Drizan Shala: The victory of Albin Kurti for the second term, although accompanied by a decline of support compared to previous elections, has several possible reasons that can explain this result:

i. Despite criticism from the opposition and objections from some international actors, Kurti has managed to maintain a strong support from a significant section portion of the electorate, especially that one that is upset with the old system and requires a deep change. For some citizens, the figure of Kurti remains a symbol of change and development, though it may be polarizing for some other groups.

ii. Another factor that has influenced his victory is the support from Kosovar diaspora where the majority of Kosovar immigrants have supported the policies of Vetëvendosje, especially for its commitment to economic development and state building which is part of the political narrative cause but that in essence (political reality) the reality is different regarding many corrupt affairs.

iii. Another factor related to the fact that, despite the numerous criticisms of Kurti, he has not had a strong opponent to challenge him seriously.

Although support has dropped compared to previous campaigns, he has continued to hold strong positions, as other opposition parties could not to capitalize on the appeal of voters who are unhappy with him.

- In the meantime the Serbian List, the largest party representing Kosovo Serbs in the North Kosovo, secured all ten seats in the Kosovo Assembly with the backing of official Belgrade. What does such a return of Serbs to central and local institutions mean and why at this juncture of time? Is this a signal that the formation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities (ASM) is possible under strong international pressure?

- The return of the Serbian List to the central and local institutions of Kosovo is very important and complicated development in many aspects. This comeback has several meanings and consequences, both for the political situation in Kosovo and for international relations, including the influence of Serbia and the pressures coming from the EU and other international actors. But the main purpose is measuring the strength within the contours in national elections for seeing the impact on local election that will be held in October 2025, that how is the loyalty of the Serbian population towards Belgrade.

- Which is your opinion on the so far results of the other parties, and with which party could VV make a coalition?

- If VV seeks to form a coalition, it will be important to make some compromises with other parties, especially regarding foreign policy, the economy, and justice. However, perhaps VV will try to maintain a clear line in its public narrative that attacks the defense of Kosovo's sovereignty and independence, which are some of the main pillars of its sole governing platform in these last four years, therefore hypothetically:

-A coalition with the PDK may bring the possibility of a more united stance at the international level and may strengthen Kosovo's positions in the dialogue with Serbia, but may require a lot of negotiations to address internal and corruption issues.

-A coalition with AAK could offer a more pragmatic approach and cooperation in the areas of security and economic development, where AAK has had a strong focus.

-An agreement with the LDK could lead to efforts for a more moderate government and a commitment to further reforms, but it will require overcoming some marked differences between the two parties.

- What is happening in the relationship Kosovo-US as uncertainty looms about the future shape of US involvement hanging over everything even after the election?

- After the 2019 elections, the attitude of Albin Kurti's government has often been in tension with some of the American policies, especially regarding the negotiations with Serbia and efforts to form the Association of Serbian Municipalities (ASM). Kurti has been critical of some EU and US positions on Serbia, having one tougher attitude towards Belgrade and defending Kosovo territory in line with the independence in foreign policy. This has led to several diplomatic disputes which may have created uncertainty for the engagement of the US in the processes of the future of Kosovo which were also revealed publicly by the Democrat and now Republican administrations.

The irreplaceable role of the USA for the security of Kosovo, especially in the context of international defense force KFOR, is a key aspect of Kosovo's stability and the Balkan region. Although the tensions between the government of Albin Kurti and of the USA, including the harsh campaign against Richard Grenell, in the period of 2019 and now as the special envoy of the USA, have created an atmosphere of tense international relations and that Kosovo may lose support for integration into NATO, therefore the role of Washington in the security of Kosovo remains one critical factor with continuous influence.

- In the meantime, Grenell claimed that American companies are expanding in Albania and Serbia but not in Kosovo, and he blamed Kurti for this lack of investment. How do you see this stance and how much will this affect Kosovo's economy?

- Grenell is pointing to a widespread view that Kurti's government has created a climate that is not attractive to American investors. A possible part of this relates with Kurti's policies to distance himself from some of the proposals of the USA and the EU- especially in terms of the normalization of relations with Serbia and the establishment of the Association of Serbian Municipalities (ASM). Some investors, including American ones, prefer to invest in other countries of the Western Balkans, such as Albania and Serbia, which offer more stable conditions for business or a better climate suitable for investment. Also, stable and favorable policies for business, such as infrastructure support, tax reduction, and the opportunity to creating a strong legal and institutional environment for businesses are also important factors.

- The EU has failed to mediate a settlement of the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia and blames Kurti for this more than anyone. Do you think that Brussels is more interested in Serbia a sign of which in a way or another is the warming up of relationship between them? Will such a trend continue during the next mandate of Kurti?

- One of the concerns that has often been raised is that the EU may be more inclined to support Serbia, seeing it as a key actor for the stability of the region and for its perspective of EU integration. Serbia, as a large and influential state in The Western Balkans is of strategic importance for the EU and it is an important player in relation to regional security and the EU's progress in Balkans. Another factor is that Serbia has maintained a close relationship with some EU member states, such as Hungary and Greece, and has tried to play an important role in the foreign policies of the European Union.

In contrast, Kosovo has a more difficult path to EU integration. Despite being recognized by most EU states, as some member states (such as Spain, Greece and Slovakia) have refused to recognize Kosovo's independence, making the process difficult for the integration of Kosovo into the EU. The Union has tried to play a mediating role for resolution to this issue, but there have been many difficulties to achieve an agreement to succeed.

- At a time when we witness the ongoing aggression of Russia against Ukraine, US President

Trump has unveiled schemes over occupation of Greenland, Panama Canal, Gaza, tutelage over Canada. Do you see any risk that other big powers might undertake similar moves? Could Serbia exploit the situation and undertake any adventure against Kosovo?

- This question touched on an important and fragile aspect of international dynamics at a time when tensions and instability are at high levels, due to Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine and concerns related to the revision of borders and changing balances of global power. In this context, the statements and actions of leaders of major powers, such as those of US President Donald Trump have raised concerns about the possibility of a "revision of borders" and the use of military force at levels that could have a major impact on global stability. Major powers, including the US, China and Russia, may try to use sensitive situations to advance their strategic interest through diplomatic, economic or military maneuvers.

This has created an atmosphere of uncertainty in the international arena, raising fears of the possibility of border changes through force or diplomatic pressure. This could create a dangerous precedent for Kosovo and the Balkan region, encouraging other major powers, such as Russia or China, to try to revise the borders of other countries, using force, military pressure or political influence to achieve their goals. In this context, all these can contribute to global instability and a period of uncertainty in the world, where conflict and tensions can escalate.

- There is hearsay that former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi (PDK) was a strong advocate of Kosovo’s partition, and at the time, the only political force to oppose his plan was the Movement for Self-Determination. Please what could you say on this?

- Hashim Thaçi has been a supporter of the dialogue process with Serbia, and while he has promoted ideas for the normalization of relations, there have been periods where ideas have circulated for changing the borders of Kosovo as part of an agreement with Serbia. One of the scenarios that has emerged during these periods has been that of the division of Kosovo or the formation of a "border correction" that could include an exchange of territories, giving Serbia parts of northern Kosovo and creating a possibility for a final agreement that could lead to the recognition of Kosovo's independence from Serbia. Such an idea has been controversial and highly contested, as it has raised fears that it could lead to a destruction of Kosovo's territorial integrity and cause further destabilization in the region.

- To conclude Mr Shala, how do you asses the relationship between Kosovo and Albania and its perspective after the elections? So far President Begaj has sent a congratulation, but PM Rama has made no comments.

- Relations between Kosovo and Albania have always been close and will continue to remain a key aspect of foreign policy for both countries. After the 2025 elections, it will be important to see how these relations will develop in the context of a new government in Kosovo and possible changes in Albania. However, Albania's commitment to continuous support for Kosovo remains a key factor in strengthening stability and common regional development. /ADN