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REALPOLITIK FLASH NO. 66
1 – 16 MARCH 2024
On 4 major diplomatic events briefly with only 1.000 words by
DR. JORGJI KOTE
Grand Master
1.Leyen and stabilocracy! On 9 March, the largest political group of the European Peoples’ Parties ( EPP) in the EU Parliament approved with majority of votes the President of the EU Commission, Mrs.Ursula von der Leyen as the top candidate in the European elections on 9 June for a second five year term. With positive assessements for her results and achievements at the head of the Commission in exceptionaly hard times; with some acknowledged ground – breaking initiatives on the occasion of COVID – 19 and Russian aggression against Ukraine.
However, during this period there have been also critical remarks on this candidacy. Despite kind words and wows, her possible re-election gives the message that the EU will continue to attach priority to stability and geopolitics, displacing democracy and the rule of law at secondary and tertiary levels. Actually, under the current conditions of several threats and dangers, both from within and outside Europe especially from far right extremism, social-economic challenges, then China, Russia, Iran, the escalating crisis in the Middle East it is really impossible for the EU to hold as we say in Albania “ two pumpkins under one arm” i.e. the geostrategic interests on one hand the the democratic values and principles on the other with all its effects. Moreover, when democracy is being eroded even in its “strongholds”, including the USA and other large western and European states. We say this for as it has occurred in the last five years also in the Western Balkans President von der Leyen lacks the stature, vision and charism that time and the momentum requires, acting according to the aphorism “ drag it on but not cut it” She is trying to be in good terms with autocrats, ignoring the opposition, the free media and civil society; she has reduced all these just as the US State Department with its annual routine Progress Peports which are almost worthless after their unsparing favourable statements and praises for autocratic leaders also in the Western Balkans; EU and US leaders do not even care to draw their attention to e problems and scandals but make them feel comfortable instead.
2.Poland back to Euroatlantism! On 13 March, the Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk were received at the White House by US President Biden. The latter commended the growing Polish role in the Euro-Atlantic processes and especially in the last two years with their support for Ukraine. The new government led by the outstanding European Donald Tusk, former President of the European Councill has given new impulses to the Polish geopolitical role in the continent. Moreover, according to the experts, in the case of the victory from Ukraine, Poland and other Central and Eastern European and Baltic states, Albania as well will have a much more central role in the future EU and in its security. This will be thanks to their proximity and better knowledge of the mentality and practices in Russia an other autocracies.
3.”Weimer Triangle” in Berlin: The so-called ” Weimer Triangle ( Weimar Dreieck) was founded in 1991 among Germany, France and Poland. The original goal was to help and support Poland ion its process of EU and NATO accession. Weimar has played a significant role in strengthening cooperation among these three states. Albeit oscillations in the relations among them, this Forum has served to bring them together in various formats and level out disgreements which have been serious most recently, especially between Germany and Poland and Germany – France. Thus, most recently, Scholz rejected Macron’s suggestion on the possibility of sending even troops and powerul missiles “ Taurus”in Ukraine. In their meeting on 15 March in Berlin, Scholz, Macron and Tusk reconfirmed friendship and cooperation among them, particularly in supporting Ukraine. They decided to set up a coalition for procuring armaments and munition in world markets for Ukraine; the details will be unveiled on 18 March by their Defence Ministers. Then, they expressed their determination to help Ukraine until its final victory.
4.”Don’t hit the head against the wall, Albin! This is the friendly advice that one could make to Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti concernig his stances vis à vis the USA and the EU. Some of his stubborn attitudes are well – known; they hve seriously damaged the cohesion and partnership with our two greatest hstorical allies; thus, as the saying goes “they bring water to the enemy’s windmill”. We have written also in previous articles in ARGUMENTUM and elsewhere that in some issues Kosovo and Kurti are right. Just as we have also criticiwed improper US and EU attitudes on the dialogue Belgrade – Pristine, the appeasement diplomacy and “petting” attitudes towards Belgrade, while oftenly treating Kosovo as “ step-mothers child”. We did also see the boosted Kosovo’s image and PM Kurti thanks to their perfect management of the situation during the terrorist attack in Banjska on 24 September 2024. That was great! However, Kurti’s later approaches, despite legal sophisms and justifications on their constitutionality are a loss of time and chances, counter-productive and leading to a blind alley for Kosovo. Caution, Pristina does not have the luxury to hit the head against the geopolitical wall”! It does not have the power, the head and the time to do that! Ok, let it express even its critical remarks to the allies, but through diplomatic and official channels, correctly and in the positive spirit of respect and cooperation with them, associating words and promises with deeds.
It is high time that Prime Minister Kurti realize that unlike Kosovo, the USA and the EU, as big powers, have also immense geopolitical policies and interests. Hence, there is no reason why Kosovo should put itself in -between them. It should be rather in unison with them and do the utmost to help them achieve their goals and this will be rewarding also for Kosovo in a longer term period. Otherwise, if Pristina keeps on like that, it should forget its geopolitical goals – membership to the Council of Europe, the EU, NATO, OSCE, Interpol and others; it should forget further recognitions and other serious effects. The latest decision for the Deçani Monastery should be followed quickly and without further delay for the case with dinar and the start of work on association. Otherwise, it will remind us the saying “ where were you, nowhere!”
© 2024 Argumentum
