US criticism of Albin Kurti deepens

The United States has intensified its criticism of Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti, signaling growing frustration over what Washington views as destabilizing actions.

Why is this important: The latest statement from the US Embassy in Pristina makes clear that Washington seeks a partner committed to stability and avoiding actions that could raise tensions in the region. This comes as relations between the two capitals have sharply cooled, culminating in the indefinite suspension of the US–Kosovo Strategic Dialogue.

Context
In its statement to Kosovo media, the embassy said:

“The United States will always be a close friend of the people of Kosovo and we are fully committed to our partnership. We want to move forward with the government-in-office, but we need a partner who understands the need to avoid destabilizing actions and who is committed to advancing regional stability and protecting the rights of all Kosovo’s citizens. We will continue to evaluate the actions of the government-in-office.”

The embassy also emphasized that Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati regularly meets with Albin Kurti and has directly conveyed these messages.

What else: The US decision on Friday to suspend the Strategic Dialogue, a process designed to strengthen bilateral relations, underscores Washington’s dissatisfaction with Kurti’s recent actions and rhetoric. The State Department noted that these actions have “presented challenges to the progress achieved over the years.”

Next steps: Washington’s latest move increases pressure on Kurti, who has faced growing criticism from international partners over his handling of sensitive political issues. It remains unclear when, or under what conditions, the Strategic Dialogue might resume, leaving Kosovo’s government with fewer diplomatic channels at a crucial time.