Kupchan: Kosovo to become partner again with US and EU, I would advise Kurti not to be on the opposite side of Trump

Former director for European Affairs at the US National Security Council, Professor Charles Kupchan, believes Kosovo should be committed to co-ordination with allies and “ulettes at table” with Serbia to continue Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic path. When it comes to the return of newly elected President Donald Trump, he has said he will talk to those individuals who believe he can solve problems.

He has stressed that Trump is known for his transactional approach and that he will try to make arrangements whether in the Balkans, Ukraine or the Middle East.

According to him, Trump will talk to individuals he believes can solve problems.

If I were to advise Kurt, I would say: Look out! You don't want to go to the wrong side of Trump. You shouldn't be someone standing on the road to a possible progress and agreement that Trump would like to present as his”, concludes Cupchan.

He has added that Kosovo should balance its interests with its allies' expectations.

I don't think it's hard to do that. Kosovo must avoid steps considered provocative and enter a situation where it is willing to sit face-to-face with Serbia, the EU and the US. He's got to be a partner again, trying to get things in front of”, Kupchan told Radio Free Europe.

Speaking of EU punitive measures towards Kosovo, Kupchan has shown that Kosovo has been condemned for disobedience, stressing that Kosovo's security and stability depend on co-ordination with allies.

According to him, without partners Kosovo would not be Kosovo.

Therefore, I think the last thing in Kosovo's interest is to burn its bridges with those countries that are very important for its well-being and for its integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. I hope Kurti and other potential leaders will understand this and turn more towards collaborative partners, as the EU and the US ask for, estimates Kupchan.