Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that the Brussels Agreement with Serbia, signed last year, must be implemented first before addressing the Washington Agreement from 2020.
Speaking after a public event in Pristina, Kurti clarified that while he is open to continued cooperation with the United States under the new administration, the Brussels deal is crucial for normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia. He emphasized that the Brussels Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for mutual recognition, paving the way for long-term peace.
“The Brussels Agreement is our priority. It is binding and ensures mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia, which is vital for our future,” Kurti said. “Once it is fully implemented, we can then address the Washington Agreement.”
Though the Brussels Agreement has not yet been signed, it has been endorsed by the European Union, which is mediating the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The deal includes provisions for greater autonomy for the Serb community in Kosovo and requires both sides to implement previous agreements.
Kurti’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions over the Washington Agreement, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which included Kosovo’s recognition by Israel. While the agreement has not been fully implemented, Kurti expressed his willingness to cooperate with the new U.S. administration, stressing the importance of continued diplomatic engagement.
The path to full normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia remains complex, with both agreements playing a key role in shaping their future.
