Faton Bislimi, a representative of the Albanian-American Civic League, has called on Kosovo’s institutions to find a way to include the country in the American gas project, describing it as a strategic issue that goes beyond the energy dimension. According to him, the discussion on gas should not be narrowed only to cost or economic benefit, because the issue of energy is also directly linked to security and foreign policy.
Speaking on the program “Interview of the Week” on KosovaPress, Bislimi said Kosovo should examine all options that would make participation in this project possible, whether through the gas terminal in Vlora or through other infrastructure alternatives. He stressed that the objective should be to ensure the country does not lose the opportunity to become part of the American initiative.
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Bislimi: Kosovo institutions must find a way to be included in American gas
“You have also seen a recent editorial written by the representative of the United States of America in Kosovo, in which she asks and, in a word, suggests that we also have a deadline, if I’m not mistaken, until the closing of the window for Kosovo’s inclusion in the American gas project. Now, even if there is another year in question, it is our obligation as Kosovo, the obligation of Kosovo’s institutions tomorrow, to find a way so that the window does not close on us. The moment the window closes, there is no more reason. We can give a million reasons, but the window will be closed. It is our obligation to find a way so that before the window closes, Kosovo is included in this project. Whether through the Vlora option or through the option of building pipelines through Kosovo, an alternative exists. There are several options. Let us choose the best possible one, which not only fulfills our national economic interests, but at the same time also fulfills geostrategic interests, without harming our relationship with the United States. I am convinced this way will be found. If it is not found, it is our failure,” Bislimi stressed.
He said participation in this initiative should not be seen as a condition for relations with the United States, but as an opportunity that serves both the strategic interests of the US and those of Kosovo.
According to Bislimi, although there have been disagreements between Prishtina and Washington on various topics, including developments in the north and the gas project, these differences should not damage the strategic partnership between Kosovo and the United States.
What are Kurti’s relations with the Americans like?
“Disagreements over approach. Disagreements over direction. There have been disagreements. They are public. You know how many times there have been disagreements over interventions carried out in northern Kosovo. There have been, there have been over the north. Today there is a kind of mismatch in the options on American gas. These are evident,” he said.
Bislimi underlined that Kosovo must under no circumstances allow itself to drift out of the orbit of American foreign policy.
Bislimi: Kosovo must not allow itself, under any circumstances, to leave the orbit of American foreign policy
“Kosovo must not allow itself, under any circumstances, to leave the orbit of American foreign policy. This does not mean that we should not pursue and fight to the very end for our national interests. No, I believe we have no other option. Look, leaving the orbit of American foreign policy leaves Kosovo no space to stand alone, because we do not have the geopolitical or geostrategic power to be any kind of determining factor in international politics, nor even in Balkan politics, I would say. Our strength in international politics is tied to our geostrategic orientation. Of course, there are oscillations, there have been, that is known. There are agreements and discussions, but even these disagreements, even these discussions that often take place, should never turn into clashes, and God forbid, into some kind of break in relations,” he said.
He added that the discussion on the American gas project should not be treated only as an energy issue, but as a topic that directly affects Kosovo’s security and foreign policy.
Bislimi said every initiative coming from the United States should be examined through the prism of Kosovo’s interests, but also in the context of the strategic importance of the partnership with Washington.
Bislimi: Every initiative coming from the United States should be analyzed from a strategic perspective
“The moment we talk about gas, we talk about energy. The moment we talk about energy, we talk about security. The moment we talk about security, we are also talking about foreign policy. Because today we live in a dynamic of extraordinary developments in international politics. Whatever is offered to us by the United States and whatever is asked of us by the United States, and every time we have been on the side of the United States, we have come out winners. On this gas issue, I say, I do not consider myself an expert on energy or gas, but I think that for Kosovo, both in economic terms and in political terms, there are always two sides to the coin. One side of the coin is what we hear every day, the geostrategic and geopolitical importance of Kosovo’s inclusion in the American gas project. The other side of the coin is the interests of the Republic of Kosovo in relation to this major project, because it is not a small project. And I believe we must find that mode in which we are part of it; in the end, we are part of the geostrategic and geopolitical interests of the United States, with gas or without gas. In other words, the idea is not that if we take the gas, this is the benefit, and if we do not take the gas, this is the punishment,” he stressed.
Faton Bislimi of the Albanian-American Civic League also spoke about the weight the Albanian community in the United States of America has had in historical processes connected to Kosovo, describing the diaspora as an important factor in representation and lobbying for the country’s interests.
According to him, the Albanian-American community played a special role in placing the Kosovo issue on the agenda of American foreign policy and in building support for the processes that led to Kosovo’s freedom and independence.
This is the role the Albanian-American community has played in the Kosovo issue
“The Albanian community in America is a cornerstone of Kosovo’s freedom and independence. Our people in the United States of America have done the impossible to bring all of Kosovo onto the agenda of American foreign policy. Ultimately, much more than that. Also in terms of lobbying, as you said in your question, and also in terms of coordination. Look, you cannot now claim that because you have the embassy and the foreign ministry, the Albanian community in America is no longer of value to you. The Albanian community in America is the best ambassador of Kosovo’s representation. There are differences in approach, but never in the cause. The cause has always been the same, the cause has been to serve Kosovo, to elevate the Kosovo-America relationship,” Bislimi concluded.
The issue of Kosovo’s inclusion in American gas projects has become one of the biggest debates regarding energy policy and strategic relations with the United States.
This project, which is linked to the development of gas infrastructure in the region, has been supported by the American side as an opportunity to diversify energy sources and strengthen the energy security of Kosovo and the Western Balkans. Its supporters argue that such a connection would reduce dependence on current energy sources and create a more sustainable alternative for the energy sector.
Former opposition parties in Kosovo have asked acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti to reconsider his position and accept participation in the project, viewing American gas not only as an energy investment but also as a political signal for maintaining close ties with Washington. According to government critics, rejecting or delaying a decision could affect relations with Kosovo’s main strategic ally.
On the other hand, the acting government led by Albin Kurti has taken a more reserved approach toward the project. According to it, decisions on the energy sector should be based on full economic analysis, feasibility, and Kosovo’s long-term interest. According to the government, Kosovo is not against American gas, but has requested a more detailed assessment of the alternatives and the concrete benefits.
