Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election has stirred mixed reactions across the Western Balkans, with leaders and analysts both hopeful and wary of his approach to regional issues.
Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti were among the first to congratulate Trump, hailing the United States as an essential ally and expressing eagerness to deepen ties. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also extended congratulations, describing Trump’s comeback as a “remarkable victory.”
In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vu?i? welcomed Trump’s return, predicting that Serbia’s stance on regional matters would receive a fairer hearing under his administration. “We maintained positive relations with Trump’s team in the past,” Vu?i? noted, adding that this shift could strengthen U.S.-Serbia relations.
Leaders across the region, including Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spaji? and Republika Srpska’s President Milorad Dodik, joined in acknowledging the change, each hoping for a favorable turn in U.S. policy. Dodik, whose entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina has clashed with the central government, called Trump’s return “a win for us as well.”
International relations expert Vesko Gar?evi? of Boston University said these responses were expected. “Leaders in the Balkans know Trump’s focus on bilateral relations could allow them more direct influence in Washington,” Gar?evi? said, adding that Serbia and Albania have both shown interest in investment projects tied to Trump’s inner circle.
The Trump family’s business connections have already reached the Balkans, with his son-in-law Jared Kushner exploring luxury hotel ventures in Albania and Serbia. Donald Trump Jr. recently met with potential investors in Belgrade, spurring speculation of deeper commercial ties.
Analysts like David Kanin of Johns Hopkins University caution, however, that Trump’s focus on bilateral ties could further strain relationships in the Balkans. “During his first term, Trump’s administration leaned toward Serbia, and that sentiment hasn’t changed,” Kanin said. He warned that Trump’s return could unsettle some of America’s long-standing allies, such as Kosovo, which relies on U.S. support amid unresolved tensions with Serbia.
As speculation mounts over Trump’s potential appointments, Richard Grenell—who previously served as the U.S. envoy for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue—is rumored to be a top choice for a senior foreign policy role. Grenell’s past involvement in Balkan affairs, often seen as pro-Serbian, has stirred concerns among some Kosovar leaders. Kurti once accused Grenell of undermining his administration, a charge Grenell dismissed, calling Kurti “anti-American.”
With European leaders also voicing caution, attention is now focused on whether Trump’s stance will create new diplomatic openings or risk a fresh round of instability across the Balkans.
Analysts expect the coming months to reveal if Trump’s bilateral approach will push Western Balkan leaders toward compromise or further entrench divisions.
