REAL POLITIK NO. 100
1 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026
Comments “ flash” on 4 major diplomatic events, only in 1.000 words by the prominent analyst, Grand Master in Diplomacy,
DR. JORGJI KOTE
1. “With diplomatic velvet“! Unlike Vice President J.D. Vance, who in the Security Conference in Munih last year launched thundering bolts against Europe, in its 62 edition on 13 Febrary this year, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio touched on the same concerns and made the same warnings for Europe but with a velvet language, with diplomatic soft and charm or “ with cotton” as we say in Albanian. He evoked the glorious record of the greatest century old western alliance, the European traditions and contribution, the lessons and the wealthy US legacy from European states and their shared victory. However, now this belongs to the past. He said that the future is bleak and so the European allies should care for themselves, mentioning in concrete terms the challenges that Europe has to meet. It should learn to walk on its own and independently from US support.
2. Great question marks! Were posed before, during and now that the Board of Peace was inaugurated on 17 February in Washington and it is starting work. With a lot of suspicions, scepticism and great question marks that are awaiting for a response from the USA and President Trump. With hasty procedures for the Board, without forums and consultatins with European allies, as in the case of the UN, the Council of Europe and OSCE before, which took 4 – 5 years and not weeks or months as with the Board. Likewise, they are chaired through forums an clear rules on rotational basis; not for life and by a single state or person, as in the case of the Board of Peace. Meanwhile, many countries that carry weight have abstained or are against the Board for it goes beyond its official mandate for peace in Gaza and that it tries to replace or overlap the UN. Although in his speech on 17 February Trump tried to persuade everyone that he did not have that goal, evenmore commending the UN, both with its merits and faults. Now that the show, celebration and fireworks are over, the work for the second stage of peace in Gaza is not yet started. There are many question marks for Hamas disarmament, the mode of operation, international troops, engagement procedures and their shelters.
Besides, Israel is not retreating and is attacking everyday Hamas and the civil population. Likewise, there are many financial aspects unresolved, without forgetting a possible war against Iran with grave effects for the whole region and other concerns crying out for solution.
3. In Washington yes, but in the White House NO! Prime Minister Rama’s presence and speech in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington was a positive step for our politics and diplomacy. But in that case there are two major concerns. The first whether should Rama mention the issue for the leaders of former UÇK and the expected effects.
We say with regret that their effect is almost zero; moreover, it could be harmful for the leaders of former UÇK, as it might be considered as political interference. PM Rama delivered the same fiery speech in Strassburg three years ago for the same topic. The outcome is that the Special Prosecution has demanded 45 years imprisonment for each of the four Kosovo leaders. Well, such discourses beyond agenda may ensure some votes at home, they may satisfy the public in Tirana and in Pristina and vent the spleen but that is all. Actually, it is much more effective to address such sensitive issues calmly in bilateral encounters or through diplomatic channels.
The second concern which passed almost in silence is that true, finally Rama shook hands with President Trump in Washington; but in the Peace Institute and he was not invited in the White House, nor in the State Department like President Osmani who met with Marco Rubio there. Besides, the US Embassy in Tirana did not spread any news about Rama’s presence and speech there.
This concern becomes greater, because Rama was also absent in Davos Forum and he was not invited as before to attend the Munich Security Conference 2026. Therefore, this major concern on the deficit of Rama’s diplomatic access to the White House, State Department, in Brussels, Berlin and elsewhere remains.
4. A strange dinner in Brussels! Was the one that the President of the EU Council, Antonio Costa hosted in Brusses on 9 February for PM Rama. It was indeed a strange dinner, for there was no public note for its goal and substance. Only in the next day a very telegraphic note from the EU that they talked on the steps for the EU integration. But not a single word even for the Working Breakfast there. Now, if there would have been praises and nice words, as we are used to, the our governmental propaganda machine would launch the usual festive fireworks. But this did not occur, only total information darkness. There are doubts because PM Rama was called with urgency to that dinner after the big fuss and scandal on his hesitation and delay concerning the authorization from the Assembly to arrest Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku fired finally on 26 February. This was a note of alarm for the EU and its Member States, which cannot tolerate on this vital point. Moreover, all are waiting to close the cluster on Fundamentals, as the key to the closure of other clusters. But there is no sign for that, time is flying, 16 months have elapsed from the opening of that cluster with no good news.
This could provoke other delays and put off the objective ‘Albania in the EU 2030’. Besides, it is not at all good that on one hand we want to join the EU in 2030 but on the other we behave as if the target is 2040! Instead, the Government is attempting by hook and crook to cover up crime and corruption and to make pressure on the performance of reformed justice. Therefore, there are many reasons to believe that ‘the cup is full’ for Brussels and it has warned Rama in confidence. Otherwise, they will make their deep concerns public with unforseeable effects especially for the target Albania in the EU 2030. It will remain only a poor electoral slogan and wishful thinking!
© 2026 Argumentum
