U.S. official outlines Balkan policy and support for Kosovo

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Daniel Lawton testified before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe regarding U.S. policy in the Western Balkans. Lawton emphasized continued cooperation with Albania to combat transnational criminal organizations and modernize its armed forces through Foreign Military Financing to meet NATO defense spending commitments.

Lawton also addressed the status of Kosovo, stating that the U.S. supports its international recognition. He noted that a return to the EU-mediated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia without preconditions would assist U.S. efforts to advocate for recognition among NATO members that do not currently recognize Kosovo.

Regarding regional security, Lawton reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the KFOR mission in Kosovo, stating that the U.S. supports the necessary troop levels required by NATO. Additionally, he characterized the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) in Albania as having been ‘relatively effective’ in handling certain cases.