The Western Balkans continues to waver in its determination to become part of the European Union, not because its states do not want to, but because they do not do enough to establish sound political and diplomatic relations.

According to the US special emissary for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, “The Balkans are moving at two speeds.”

“We have on one side the NATO members who are very committed to their NATO and European orientation, and then we have the other three who are struggling. Therefore in my meetings, I have repeatedly said that the United States supports the Euro-Atlantic journey for all of them. And we would like them to resolve the internal and regional differences that are preventing them from progressing,” said the American diplomat in an interview for the Voice of America.

Escobar singles out Albania and North Macedonia as two countries that are more clear in their European journey.

“Albania has been excellent in approaching the place it has in the Security Council, as well as bilaterally and in the framework of NATO. With Montenegro, we had some very good meetings with the new president. We assured him that it is an important partner of the transatlantic community, and we called on him to encourage the creation of a government that includes only parties focused on Europe and committed to NATO. And he said he would do so. So we are pleased that he received this important message and that he will take action on this,” Escobar said.

The conflict between Kosovo and Serbia remains a stability problem for the region, but the US envoy to the region says that the West’s approach to this issue will not change.

“If I had to say something, it won’t be for a new approach from the partners within the dialogue. The time has come for a new approach for some of the people who have taken the dialogue as a yes or no option only. And I’m talking specifically about the government of Kosovo. They have a clear obligation for what they have to do. And I think Borell’s statement was very clear. We encourage Serbia to continue to be constructive and patient, but we also continue to ask Serbia not to take any destabilizing action in Kosovo. We will have to continue working with the dialogue. There is no alternative. There is no alternative for the region except for European integration,” said Escobar.

As for Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s statements about the EU emissary for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, that Miroslav Lajcak is taking the side of Serbia, Escobar reiterated the trust he has in the European mediator.

“Lajcak enjoys the full confidence of the European Union and the United States. All EU countries made a joint statement after the failure of the talks, with support for Lajcak. It is something they have to face. Lajcak will not go away. Dialogue will not go away. And I don’t think a country of one and a half million will convince the transatlantic community of 700 million to change its tactics. I think there needs to be a more pragmatic approach by the Kosovo government. I need to say something else. During the last week I have been alarmed by the personal attacks against Lajcak, which exist in the social sphere of Kosovo. I asked President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti to condemn these attacks. I am not saying that they come from the government of Kosovo, but the government of Kosovo must be very clear that personal attacks against the special representative are unacceptable,” Escobar said.

/k.s/