Kosovo’s ruling Self-Determination (VVL) party, led by PM Albin Kurti, won the general election with 41.3% of the vote but will need a coalition partner.

Kurti’s pro-Albanian nationalism has strained ties with the U.S. and EU, especially over policies affecting Kosovo’s Serb minority.

His refusal to grant Serb-majority areas autonomy led to EU aid cuts and stalled Kosovo’s EU membership bid.

U.S. relations have also soured, with Trump’s administration freezing aid and envoy Richard Grenell calling Kurti untrustworthy, Politico has reported.

Despite international pressure, Kurti remains defiant, vowing not to compromise on Kosovo’s sovereignty.

Written by B.C. Begley