Lawton: Peace between Kosovo and Serbia is key to Western Balkan stability

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Daniel Lawton said Washington continues to support Kosovo’s territorial integrity and interests. He stressed that the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is essential for stability in the Western Balkans.

During his testimony before the Europe Subcommittee of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Lawton said maintaining stability in the Western Balkans is among the top priorities of U.S. policy in the region.

According to him, the United States seeks a peaceful and prosperous Western Balkans, while cooperation with regional actors is focused on strengthening stability, expanding economic ties, and confronting threats to the United States.

Lawton underscored that the United States remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Kosovo.

He said the United States supports international recognition of Kosovo, including recognition by the four NATO member states that have yet to recognize its independence. According to him, this agenda has been undermined by repeated elections and delays in forming institutions, and Kosovo’s leaders have therefore been urged to complete the process in accordance with the Constitutional Court’s rulings.

The U.S. official added that KFOR will remain in Kosovo to ensure a safe and secure environment, with support from U.S. contributions.

Referring to relations between Kosovo and Serbia, Lawton said that maintaining peace between the two countries is an essential condition for stability throughout the Western Balkans.

He said the significant progress achieved through the 2020 agreement between Kosovo and Serbia under President Trump has stalled due to a lack of political will from both sides in the European Union-mediated dialogue.

Lawton called on Belgrade and Pristina to refrain from provocations and engage in talks without preconditions, stressing that normalizing relations between the two countries is vital to regional stability.

Meanwhile, he said the United States is working closely with NATO allies in the region, including Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, in pursuit of shared security objectives.

Lawton explained that U.S. policy in the Western Balkans rests on three main pillars: maintaining stability, advancing economic interests, and cooperating against criminal organizations and security risks.

According to him, the United States wants a peaceful and prosperous Western Balkans and expects the countries of the region to take greater responsibility for addressing their own challenges.