For a stable Kosovo!

As Kosovo awaits the 17th anniversary of its independence in a few days, it is expected to head towards parliamentary elections this Sunday.

These elections were considered 'normal', as for the first time it was possible for a 4-year term to be successfully concluded without premature interruption.

The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti , is seen as significantly favored over the LDK, PDK, the AAK coalition with Nisma, or other parties.

The campaign conducted throughout the month of January and beyond has been dynamic and equally intense, where each political actor has unveiled his program by going 'door to door' to citizens with good will, willingly imposing promises for the next mandate.

In addition to the internal vote, the diaspora vote will also play a significant role, where Kosovo citizens legally enjoy the right to vote, already a factor with weight in the country's economy and development for years. As a newly formed state, Kosovo's goal is to create political stability, establish a stable economy, democratize institutions, expand de jure recognition from more states and, as a result, clarify a difficult past. It seems quite clear that the latter has been and still remains a boiling point where finding a solution is not coming to an end. In addition to the already consolidated parties, the competition has so far also made it possible to certify the Serbian List, which, with the support of Belgrade, does not yet recognize the state of Kosovo.

Now the panorama is clear. Kosovo comes to these elections after a very controversial year. The events and conflicts developed with neighbors once again brought back the shadows of the past. Moreover, there was widespread allusions to a clash that could escalate just like the last century. The already well-known situation in Russia and the inattention to developments from the USA motivated the Serbian side during 2024 to set its sights on Kosovo, significantly increasing the pressure. Knowing the hot-blooded and patriotic nature of the Balkans, political leaders continue to play this card to gain the sympathy of the people and at the same time find an 'enemy' - to say once again that foreign policy is the only policy that can be developed.

On the other hand, the arrival of President Donald Trump has stirred up quite a bit of water. From the decrees signed so far, the Balkans seem to have been left out as if to show that we are not the center of the world and that everything seems to be under control. These elections are not only important for domestic politics but also for the fate of Kosovo itself in the international arena where their winner is expected to have the burden of a negotiator with the other side to turn de facto into de jure recognition of independence.

But what does Albania's role seem to be in this whole situation? As a now consolidated state, with increased international attention in recent years, what Albania can offer is support and readiness towards Kosovo, lobbying at the highest bureaucratic tables, stability in the region and most importantly, strengthening economic-cultural bridges within a nation, unjustly divided into two states.

History cannot be forgotten in any way, as without it the identity of a country is lost, but sitting at a common table and finding a compromise seems to be the only way out of this situation. For once, it is advisable for political actors to behave like Scandinavians and not like Balkans, putting aside anger, ego and stubbornness to tend to a calm environment from where internal policies for development could be more easily exercised. For a factual, strong and growing Kosovo.