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UK Foreign Secy Urges Kosovo to Advance Talks with Serbia
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, reiterated Britain’s commitment to the stability of the Western Balkans during a visit to Kosovo on Wednesday. Lammy called on both Kosovo and Serbia to make tangible progress in the ongoing normalization talks, which have yet to yield significant results after 14 years of negotiations.
Lammy's visit, marking the second day of his trip, included meetings with senior Kosovar officials. He urged Kosovo's leadership to form a new government promptly following the parliamentary elections held on February 9. In the election, Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Self-Determination Movement Party (Vetevendosje!) secured 48 seats in the 120-seat parliament, falling short of a majority and creating the need for coalition talks.
During his visit, Lammy reassured Kosovo’s leaders that “the UK continues to play its essential role as a key friend and partner of this great nation,” underscoring Britain’s long-standing interest in the region’s stability.
At a joint press briefing with President Vjosa Osmani, Lammy expressed strong support for the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia normalization process. “This region matters greatly to Britain,” he stated, adding that the UK seeks “a lasting, peaceful normalization” of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
Despite more than a decade of EU-mediated talks, relations between Kosovo and Serbia remain fraught with tension. The EU and the United States have called for the implementation of key agreements reached two years ago, which include Kosovo’s commitment to establishing an Association of Serb-majority Municipalities and Serbia’s responsibility to provide de facto recognition of Kosovo.
"I hope the next government will address the needs of all citizens, including integrating Kosovo Serbs and engaging actively in the EU-led dialogue," Lammy said.
Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 remains a point of contention. Serbia, along with its key allies Russia and China, continues to refuse recognition of Kosovo's sovereignty. The deep scars of the 1998-1999 war, in which over 11,000 people, predominantly ethnic Albanians, lost their lives, still influence the region’s political landscape. The conflict was ended by a 78-day NATO air campaign that forced Serbian forces to withdraw.
As Kosovo moves forward, Lammy’s visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing international support for the country's efforts toward peace and integration within Europe.