Joseph: The main problem of the Balkans is the division that exists in Europe over Kosovo, dialogue can solve difficult crises
Express newspaper
11/04/2026 23:03
Edward Joseph, a professor at John Hopkins University, has emphasized the importance of security in the Western Balkans, saying that when the region is not safe, “Europe is not safe.”
Joseph, in the interview given to “Today“, has assessed that the instability in this region largely stems from the unresolved issue of divisions within Europe regarding Kosovo, and “the way in which this issue can be addressed.”
“I, together with my co-authors, wrote the report “From Crisis to Convergence”, which presents a comprehensive theory of the ongoing instability in the Balkans. In my opinion, the whole problem lies in the divisions in Europe over Kosovo. The reasoning – and how it can be addressed – is briefly outlined in the executive summary,” he stated.
He also spoke about the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, saying that this process “can still solve difficult problems and crises.”
”I will speak very precisely about the way forward. First, dialogue can still solve difficult problems and crises, as we have recently seen with the movement around the Law on Foreigners. Second, the real solution lies in Belgrade’s strategic reorientation. Yes, as mentioned, Kurti is a very difficult partner – as seen in the abandonment of the successful voting model and other uncoordinated movements. But let us remember his predecessor Avdullah Hoti. I know him too, and he was the complete opposite of Kurti in every way. And yet, Belgrade visibly undermined Prime Minister Hoti with open provocations immediately after the Washington Agreement in 2020. Therefore, we can be clear about the dialogue: as long as Belgrade adheres to an imaginary “balance” and refuses to clearly define the path towards the EU, we cannot expect any progress with Kosovo. And this prolonged crisis is to the detriment of Serbian citizens in Kosovo. “Again, as I said, the path to NATO for Serbia and Kosovo puts an end to all of this,” Joseph stated, among other things.