Trump and the Balkan Circus: How the US President “Stopped” the Serbia-Kosovo Conflict, but Actually… Nothing Happened?
Welcome to the latest episode of the Balkan political theater, where the main actor is Donald Trump, and history is written quickly, with lots of pomp but little real results.
Trump’s “Great” Role
US President Donald Trump has been repeatedly claiming that he is the one who “stopped a new war in the Balkans” between Serbia and Kosovo. He is so convinced of his achievements that he even thinks he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. But let’s clear things up a bit.
What Really Happened?
Trump refers to the so-called Washington Agreements signed on September 4, 2020, at the White House between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and then Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti. According to Trump, this agreement is the solution to the long-standing conflict. However, the truth is that the agreement is far from what Trump claims.
Economy, Not Peace
The agreement mainly deals with economic cooperation: building a “peace highway” connecting Niš and Priština, modernizing railways, cooperation in the energy sector, recognition of diplomas, and other technical issues. There is no mention of a real political solution or normalization of relations that would truly stop the conflict.
Controversies and Political Games
The agreement also included opening embassies in Jerusalem, which sparked sharp criticism from the European Union. Kosovo opened an embassy in Jerusalem, while Serbia did not, further complicating the situation.
Also, the planned territorial exchange between Kosovo and Serbia faced opposition, especially from Albin Kurti, the former Kosovo Prime Minister, who was ousted after accusations of working against Kosovo’s interests. The new Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti was part of the agreement but failed to implement significant changes.
Trump’s Illusion of Peace
Although Trump claims he solved a problem the EU couldn’t for decades, the reality is that there were no significant American activities regarding Kosovo and Serbia during his second term. The agreement mostly remained a dead letter, and tensions between Serbia and Kosovo remain high, especially after a terrorist attack in the village of Banjskа in northern Kosovo.
Biden Administration and the Future
With the arrival of the Biden administration, the EU continued mediating the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia but without major progress. Trump now accuses Biden of jeopardizing his “success” and doing nothing to continue the process.
Conclusion: Trump or Illusionist?
Overall, Trump’s claim that he “stopped the war” between Serbia and Kosovo is more political theater than reality. The Washington agreement is far from a historic solution, and the real issues remain open.
If it seems to you like another example of big words used to cover small results, you’re not alone. What do you think? Did Trump really “save the Balkans” or just throw dust in our eyes again? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s really right here!
This article is based solely on facts from available sources and contains no fabrications.
