Kosovo's election and the stakes for the Western Balkans

13/02/2025 13 min Episodio 1162
Kosovo's election and the stakes for the Western Balkans

Listen "Kosovo's election and the stakes for the Western Balkans"

Episode Synopsis

This past weekend voters in Kosovo went to the polls in an election that many saw as critical for the future of its relations with the US and the EU, but also when it comes to stalled talks with Serbia to normalize ties. Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who has pushed hardline policies vis-a-vis Kosovo’s Serbs, won the general election, but his party fell short of a majority and will need to find a coalition partner to remain in power. Expert Charles Kupchan joins Thanos Davelis to break down why these elections matter not just for Kosovo, but for the Western Balkans and the broader region.Charles Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University in the Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Government. He previously served as special assistant to the president and senior director for European affairs on the staff of the National Security Council in the Obama administration.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Why Kosovo's Election Matters For The Region And The WorldKosovo PM Albin Kurti wins election amid tensions with Brussels and WashingtonSerbia: Students mark 100 days since deadly canopy collapseTrump Says Call With Putin Is Beginning of Ukraine Peace NegotiationsTrump and Putin stun Europe with peace plan for Ukraine President-elect Tasoulas calls for national unity and social solidarity