IN THIS EPISODE
Kosovo’s parliamentary elections on February 9 have painted a complex picture, as Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje remains the strongest party, but it has lost its absolute majority from 2021. So, why did voters back Kurti yet limit his power? Is this a sign of growing dissatisfaction in Kosovo, or perhaps a call for more political balance?
With coalition talks ahead, the big question iss whether Kurti can form a stable government or if opposition parties will seek to unite and form a mandate. Meanwhile, tensions with Serbia remain high, normalization talks are stalled, and Kosovo’s relationship with key Western allies—including the United States—has become increasingly strained.
In this episode of #BalkansDebrief, Ilva Tare, Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, sits down with former U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, to break down the election results, the possible governing scenarios, and what’s at stake for Kosovo’s democracy, regional stability, and international partnerships.
Drawing from his personal experience, Hovenier reflects on the challenges of navigating the often-tense relationship between Washington and Prime Minister Kurti’s government during his tenure.
ABOUT #BALKANSDEBRIEF
#BalkansDebrief is an online interview series presented by the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center and hosted by journalist Ilva Tare. The program offers a fresh look at the Western Balkans and examines the region’s people, culture, challenges, and opportunities.
Watch #BalkansDebrief on YouTube and listen to it as a Podcast.
MEET THE #BALKANSDEBRIEF HOST
The Europe Center promotes leadership, strategies, and analysis to ensure a strong, ambitious, and forward-looking transatlantic relationship.