American expert: Biden with pragmatic approaches to dialogue, mutual recognition of Kosovo-Serbia could happen

Kupchan, who is also professor at Georgetown University, does not see the political normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia easy, while he says he expects Biden to be more committed to Balkan issues.

The agreement between Pristina and Belgrade is important, but it is only the first step. Moving from closer economic ties to political normalisation will not be easy. I expect the Beden team to be more engaged in Balkan affairs, and Biden himself takes good care of the region and knows it well. One of the possible changes from the era of Trump is that Washington will work closely with the EU in the region. Sharing EU and United States efforts in the Balkans does not make much sense”, He said Kupchan.

According to him, Biden will have pragmatic approaches to the region.

I expect Biden to have pragmatic approaches to the region, not an ideological approach or one in which Washington picks only one side. The normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and the stabilisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will require a capable, balanced diplomacy looking to the future, not behind”, he said.

Kupchan said he expects mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia.

“expects mutual recognition, but may take time. At least at the economic level, the situation is going in the right direction. I expect that the entire Balkan area will eventually be integrated into Atlantic institutions. The effectiveness of EU membership is a strong driver throughout the region. Although I feel confident about this final point, I am less sure when and how that result will be achieved”, Kupchan expresses it.