Philip Reeker: Kosovo- Serbia won't be priority for Trump administration

The US focus will be security and prosperity, along with support for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans, he stressed. According to Reeker, dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia has brought good agreements, but implementation still remains a major challenge.

US diplomat Philip Reeker praised the current situation following the formation of the new European Commission and the return of Donald Trump to the helm of the US administration as an important moment for considering future steps in resolving challenges in the Western Balkans.

“The United States is trying to help Western Balkan countries overcome past problems and find a way for a better future for their citizens”, Reeker points out in RTK.

According to Reeker, who has participated in the Security Conference in Belgrade, President Trump's main focus will be security and prosperity, in line with his policy “America and pre-”.

President Trump has clearly defined priorities that are oriented by what is important to America and its citizens. This is not a complete isolationism, but people should be reserved in their expectations for the US to solve their problems. The world today faces major geopolitical challenges requiring urgent attention”, Reeker said.

Reeker, who has been US deputy secretary of state, stressed that dialogue under the European Union remains the key tool for resolving issues between Belgrade and Pristina, but expressed concern for the slow progress.

“Dialog has resulted in good deals, but we do not see the expected progress in their implementation. There is an obligation to take concrete steps. Why wait another decade to resolve issues that are relatively simple from a global point of view. Think about the things we're dealing with today on the planet and you're worried about the registration signs or the Association of Serb Major communities. Close these processes and seize the possibilities ahead of you”, Reeker said.

Speaking of the consequences of the war in Ukraine, Reeker stressed the need to strengthen the Western Balkans' Euro-Atlantic integrations to preserve stability in the region.

Vladimir Putin's “Russia attacked its neighbour, trying to gain the independence and sovereignty of an internationally recognised state. This reminds us of the importance of the integration of Western Balkan countries into Euro-Atlantic institutions, such as NATO and the EU, which provide structure, stability and prosperity”, Reeker said.

According to him, the stability of the region is key not only to local communities but also to wider European security.

“NATO has provided an unprecedented period in transatlantic space when it comes to stability and security. This has not been a threat to Russia, but an opportunity for common progress, Reeker said, warning that unresolved problems could open up the possibility for destabilisation that leaders like Putin can exploit.

The American diplomat stressed that leaders in the Western Balkans should not lose opportunities to solve problems that hinder progress.