Biden Neglects Albania Amidst Regional Tensions Fueled by Putin

As the United States focuses its attention on supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion, Albania, a key NATO ally in the Balkans, fears being forgotten. Former President Ilir Meta warns of the region's vulnerability to Russian influence and urges Biden's administration to prioritize the Western Balkans.

Albania, a small Balkan nation and one of Europe's poorest, has made significant contributions to US foreign policy goals over the years. However, despite its pro-US stance and large diaspora community in the US, Albania has received limited attention from the Biden administration. While the US prioritizes support for Ukraine and Israel, many in the Balkans, including former Albanian President Ilir Meta, worry that the region is being neglected.

Meta warns that the Balkans is "suffering from the status quo" and that outside actors like Russia have attempted to hinder the region's EU integration and NATO membership. Russia, through its regional allies, exerts significant cultural and political sway in the Balkans and has been accused of inciting violence and instability.

Albania's concerns are compounded by the recent appointment of Aleksandar Vulin, a pro-Russian official sanctioned by the US, to Serbia's new government. This move is seen as an indication that Serbia is not abandoning its pro-Russian sentiments despite pursuing EU membership.

The former president also expresses concerns about the "Open Balkans" initiative, a proposal that would facilitate the freer flow of people and goods across the Balkans. Meta fears that this initiative will strengthen hybrid regimes like Serbia, undermining free and fair elections and targeting the media.

Serbia's new foreign minister, Marko Djuric, disputes Meta's characterization of the Open Balkans Initiative, stating that it enhances cooperation and mutual understanding. Djuric emphasizes Serbia's commitment to the EU integration process.

However, former Albanian ambassador to the US and the United Nations, Agim Nesho, argues that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama are "the most undemocratic, corrupt, and destabilizing leaders the region has seen in 30 years." Nesho believes that Serbia's disruptive policies allow Vucic to leverage both the Serbian entity in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the northern Kosovo region to create instability.

Ivana Stradner, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warns that Putin is using crises in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina to divert attention from Ukraine and position Russia as the sole mediator of the conflict.

Meta concludes by emphasizing the Balkans' love for the United States and its role as a symbol of democracy. He urges the US to prioritize the region and recognize Albania's importance as a long-term partner in facing global challenges.

Despite requests for comment, the spokesperson for Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama did not respond.