Keith Self, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, delivered a comprehensive speech yesterday evening during a hearing titled "Critical Point: Path to Stability in the Western Balkans." His address highlighted ongoing challenges in the region and the United States’ strategic interest in promoting stability, peace, and prosperity.
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| Keith Self |
Self traced the roots of instability to the post-Yugoslav era, explaining that although open conflict has subsided since the 1990s, centuries of ethnic divisions, shifting borders, and political distrust continue to haunt the region. He noted that unresolved issues, particularly between Serbia and Kosovo, serve as major sources of regional tension. This unresolved relationship creates a strategic fault line that Russia can exploit to undermine EU and NATO efforts to strengthen Balkan states.
He referenced the 2023 Ohrid Agreement between Serbia and Kosovo, which was intended to reduce tensions and revive previous agreements. However, political crises in Kosovo, including the failure to form a government after the February 25 elections, have stalled progress. Kosovo is now preparing for early elections scheduled for December 28. Self expressed hope that once Kosovo forms a new government, Serbia would finally recognize Kosovo’s sovereignty.
The Congressman also raised concerns about Bosnia-Herzegovina, where he observed an exponential increase in the use of legally questionable powers by the High Representative. This office has the authority to impose legislation and remove officials, and its unchecked use has risen significantly in recent years, contributing to regional instability.
Regarding Albania, Self praised U.S. support for establishing an independent judiciary. Yet, he highlighted serious ongoing issues: "After ten years of implementation, it is appropriate to reassess whether judicial reform functions as intended and delivers impartial justice to the Albanian people." He emphasized that the backlog of cases has grown from around 16,000 at the start of the reform to roughly 200,000 today, leaving citizens to wait 8 to 15 years for final decisions. Such delays weaken the rule of law and public trust.
Self also addressed demographic and economic challenges in the Western Balkans. Declining populations, aging societies, widespread illegal migration, high unemployment, and growing poverty negatively impact governance, facilitate organized crime, money laundering, and corruption. Ethno-religious divisions, particularly in Bosnia-Herzegovina, continue to threaten peace, while Kosovo maintains specific protections for minorities exceeding EU standards. Cross-border tensions, especially in southern Serbia and the Preševo Valley, remain unresolved.
The Congressman warned of external influences exacerbating regional instability. Russia exploits weaknesses in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia, with figures like Milorad Dodik leveraging political capital to maintain control and threaten separatism. China expands its influence through military maneuvers, arms shipments to Serbia, and economic agreements across the region. Iranian state-backed cyber actors continue targeting Albania, as demonstrated by attacks on municipal services in Tirana.
Energy dependence further complicates the situation. Serbia relies heavily on Russian gas, highlighting the need for strategic initiatives to reduce Moscow's political leverage. Self noted that renewed conflict could directly threaten NATO allies in the region, including Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. He emphasized the necessity for coordinated defense efforts and political barriers to safeguard regional stability.
Despite these challenges, Self pointed to opportunities for improvement. Drawing on his 25 years of U.S. military experience, including five years at NATO headquarters and direct involvement in the 1999 NATO operation in the Balkans, he stressed the potential for sustained peace and prosperity. He called on U.S. leadership to engage strategically to prevent renewed conflicts that could destabilize Europe.
Self commended the Trump administration for re-engaging with this often-overlooked region and expressed hope that the Subcommittee could provide meaningful oversight to help Congress promote long-term stability, peace, and prosperity in the Western Balkans. His remarks underscored the United States’ enduring commitment to Albania and its neighbors, highlighting shared values and NATO partnerships.
The speech serves as a critical reminder that the Western Balkans, while facing complex political, economic, and security challenges, also present opportunities for diplomatic solutions, regional cooperation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. For Albania, active engagement and collaboration with international partners remain essential in fostering stability and sustainable development.