France’s Foreign Policy towards Kosovo – What future for cooperation?

May 21, 2014

As a Quint member, France has been highly involved in Kosovo, during the war, in the reconstruction phase and in the Kosovo status and post-status process. With the end of international supervision in September 2012, and the signature of a normalization agreement with Serbia in April 2013, Kosovo has now almost the full capacities of a “normal” State. Notable progress nonetheless has to be made on many levels for Europe’s newest country to develop economically, stabilize politically and integrate international networks and institutions. The support from the old allies is therefore more necessary than ever before. Kosovo has reached a new stage in its development with a new medium term objective of integrating European institutions. European politics are shifting and the Balkans will be an undeniable factor in the next few years. As a historical founder, a strong EU power, and an ally of Kosovo, it is in France’s interest to play a strategic role in Kosovo’s European shift.Over the past decade, France has supported Kosovo in many areas: institutions building, political status determination, reconstruction, cultural development, education or minority support. In light of recent events, however, it is necessary for France and Kosovo to assess the current state of their relationship, and rethink future priorities. While French involvement has been multifaceted, there have been very few comprehensive analyses of France’s involvement in Kosovo. In light of this shift towards the EU, it should be in France’s interest to play a strategic role in the region, which makes it crucial to analyze France’s current foreign policy towards Kosovo and devise a strategy from which to move forward.

Policy Reports

France’s Foreign Policy towards Kosovo – What future for cooperation?

Download PDF 21/05/2014

Share article


Latest Publications

Related Espresso Insights

October 28, 2024

Espresso.Insights

From D.C. to the Balkans: Why America’s Choice Matters More than Ever?

by GLPS

July 20, 2024

Espresso.Insights

What Can We Expect from von der Leyen’s Second Mandate?

by GLPS