Serbia's lobby movements in US are threat to Kosovo diplomatic interests

While the focus of our political class in Kosovo has already been firmly focused on the pre-election campaign, the Vucikik regime has full focus on creating a powerful lobby foundation in Washington, DC.

Recent statements in FARA files reveal disturbing developments in recent months:

1. On November 15th, 2024, the Government of Serbia through employees at its embassy in Washington, DC, Vladimir Maric, contracted Matt Mours from Velcour, LLC, to lobby in the United States for Serbia's interests, at a cost of $65,000 per month (plus additional expenses); and

2. A little earlier, on September 27, 2024, Milenium Team d.o.o., a large Serbian corporation with direct connections to Aleksandar Vucinqi, has contracted the Stupete lobbie lobby firm for the same purpose, under the garment of engagement for EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, for a cost of $200,000 a month (plow additional spending).

These aren't random moves. Matt Mowers, a prominent ally of Donald Trump, clearly shows that Serbia is seeking to line up with the political circle of Trump. This is a well-calculated effort to secure favors that can advance Serbia's interests in the Balkans at the expense of Kosovo, mainly.

We must not forget the close connection of Millennium Team to Vucinqi, whose regime has been constantly working to undermine Kosovo's independence and sovereignty. Millennium Team co-owner Stojan Vujko is counted as the government tender tycoon in Serbia, especially in Belgrade. The Millennium Team company is also estimated to have won hundreds of millions of Vuciki's power. Through the contract with Steptoe, Milenium Team has also provided the services of British life lobbyist Burstock, which include some of the most popular people in diplomacy and security in Great Britain. So Serbia is directly affecting the two most friendly and supportive countries of Kosovo in the US and Great Britain.

With such entities lobby in Washington, Serbia is positioning to influence American foreign policy in its favour.

Kosovo cannot have the comfort of claiming everything is okay. We need to understand the extent of this challenge and the urgent need to overcome any domestic political disagreement. Now, more than ever, our common focus should be strengthening our relations in Washington and ensuring that Kosovo's voice is heard clearly and strongly.

If my two-decade experience in Washington, DC, has taught me something then I can tell you with power that diplomatic victories are not by chance the result of continued efforts, strategic partnerships and unity in purposes. Let us unite to protect the progress we have achieved with much effort and sacrifice so far, and to ensure a brighter future for Kosovo.

So, I appeal to the Kosovo government and all political acts in the country, that together, we stand firm against Serbia's agenda and continue to strengthen our country's position in the global arena.

I've said it many times and I repeat: for me the state and the nation are above everything else. Now is the time to do what is needed for the country to empower our relations with the United States, and let us not allow Serbia to penetrate American foreign policy through the rise of its propaganda against Kosovo.