Publications

CHINA’S QUIET FOOTPRINT:

Mapping Chinese Influence on Local Politics and the Economic Landscape in Kosovo

This research analyzes China’s soft influence in the Western Balkans through the lens of its grand strategy, with a particular focus on Kosovo. The analysis begins by exploring how China’s grand strategy is formulated at the global level and how it is adapted regionally, particularly in Kosovo, where China does not maintain diplomatic relations. A key objective is to shed light on China’s approach in the region, especially its efforts to build influence through business ties and local-level engagement. By unpacking China’s global strategy and examining its localized application, the study aims to inform the development of a clear, context-specific response by the government of Kosovo to mitigate China’s influence, particularly that which is pursued through non-transparent means. It is available in English and Albanian.

How Does China View the Western Balkans, Kosovo, and the Normalization Dialogue?

A mix of ideological and pragmatic approaches shapes China’s engagement in the Western Balkans. While the region of the Western Balkans is not central to Beijing’s foreign policy, it offers a critical discursive and geopolitical space through which China challenges the West and tests elements of its broader international relations strategy. In other words, China aspires to rival the West in the Balkans, primarily through economic competition in an effort to preach its political values over international order (or its view of the world) as a model that is, according to the Chinese, better than the model of regional and European integration that the Western Balkans pursues jointly with the West. In this context, Kosovo stands out as an important case. For China, Kosovo is not simply a state that is contested by Serbia but means through which it articulates its opposition to the West and liberal democracy while consolidating its alliance with Serbia. This paper argues that China’s stance on Kosovo is not driven by legal principle but by political utility. Kosovo is treated as a “Western project” to be delegitimized rather than a dispute to be resolved.

No clear winner in the parliamentary elections in Kosovo: Forming a government will be complicated

Albin Kurti's Vetëvendosje movement becomes the strongest force without an absolute majority

The parliamentary elections held on February 9, 2025 were the first elections since independence to be held on the regular election date. However, the current election result without a clear winner may herald another phase of political instability with early elections. Although Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing nationalist Vetëvendosje was by far the strongest party, it will in all likelihood need a partner to form a government. However, a governing alliance against Albin Kurti from the next three strongest parties would also be possible. Both options would face political challenges, as the local elections to be held in the fall and the presidential elections to be held in March 2026 are political breaking points for a future government.

LEGAL GUIDE TO INVESTING IN KOSOVO

A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL RESOURCE

Kosovo offers substantial investment opportunities, yet it has not received the attention it deserves from foreign investors for various reasons. The “Legal Guide to Investing in Kosovo” represents our effort to dispel these misconceptions and bring Kosovo to the forefront as an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Confronting Kosovo’s Internal and External Threats on the Road to EU Accession

This report addresses Kosovo’s national security challenges, analyzing them from both local and international perspectives within the framework of the European Union. It explores the perceptions of Kosovo citizens on national security and the potential impact of EU integration on the country’s security landscape. Drawing on recent survey data, the report examines how citizens view the role of EU mechanisms in enhancing Kosovo’s national security and assesses the effectiveness of national institutions in responding to current security threats.

Kosovo in Russian Foreign Policy Discourse

FOSTERING INSTABILITY IN KOSOVO AND COUNTERING EUROATLANTIC INTEGRATION

This analysis provides insights into Russia's strategic goals in the Western Balkans and the broader geopolitical context.

Annual Review of Kosovo’s Foreign Policy (2023)

This report provides a brief analysis of Kosovo’s foreign policy throughout 2023, until February 15th, 2024. The report is available in English and Albanian.

Annual Review of Kosovo’s Foreign Policy (2023)

This report provides a brief analysis of Kosovo’s foreign policy throughout 2023, until February 15th, 2024. The report is available in English and Albanian.

Republic of Kosovo - Facts and Figures

2023 Edition

An overview of Kosovo's foreign policy, society, economy and culture. Different authors describe through short articles, divided into 17 chapters, the small and big things that define the country. Accompanied by beautiful photos "Republic of Kosovo - Facts and Figures" is the perfect introduction to Kosovo and its people.

The citizens of Kosovo now also have the freedom to travel to the European Union

Kosovo is the last country in the Western Balkans to receive visa liberalization with the EU

At the beginning of the year, visa liberalization with the European Union came into force in Kosovo, the last country in the Western Balkans to do so. The freedom to travel, which was achieved after a long wait compared to neighboring countries, is causing much euphoria, especially among the younger generation. However, there is also concern that the freedom to travel could trigger a large wave of emigration of workers and an additional brain drain to the EU states, which would exacerbate the already existing labor shortage in certain economic sectors.