U.S. Relations With Kosovo

U.S. Relations With Kosovo

Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Fact Sheet
January 29, 2015

More information about Kosovo is available on the Kosovo Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-KOSOVO RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Kosovo in 2008, following its declaration of independence from Serbia.

The United States has been joined by over 100 countries in its recognition of Kosovo as an independent, sovereign state. The United States remains committed to working with the Government of Kosovo and international partners to strengthen Kosovo’s institutions, rule of law, and economy and build a democratic, law-abiding, multi-ethnic, tolerant, and prosperous country. U.S. policy priorities are: encouraging private sector-led economic growth so that Kosovo’s citizens can prosper; ensuring that Kosovo's society and government are firmly grounded in the rule of law; ensuring Kosovo remains a home for all its diverse peoples; strengthening the institutions of Kosovo’s government and civil society required for a strong democratic society; helping Kosovo in its anti-ISIL coalition efforts, including stemming the flow of foreign fighters to Syria and Iraq; and working with European partners to realize Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations.

In 2008, the United States became a member of the International Steering Group (ISG), contributing staff to the International Civilian Office (ICO), which supervised the Government of Kosovo's implementation of the Comprehensive Settlement Proposal, commonly known as the Ahtisaari Plan. In September 2012, the United States joined our ISG partners in recognizing the enormous progress Kosovo has achieved, including upholding its commitments to implement the provisions embodied in Special Envoy Ahtisaari's plan and enshrining these into Kosovo law, thereby declaring the end of supervised independence and dissolution of the ICO.

Since 1999, the United States has contributed troops to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), tasked with maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all of Kosovo’s citizens. Since its deployment in 2008, the United States also contributed staff to the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), marking the first time the United States participated in an EU Common Security and Defense Policy mission. EULEX works with the Government of Kosovo to strengthen rule of law throughout the country and to monitor, mentor, and advise Kosovo police, justice, and customs officials.

Since 2011, the European Union (EU) has facilitated a dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo on practical issues to improve the lives of citizens and advance them in their European perspectives, a process which the United States supports. On April 19, 2013, the Governments of Kosovo and Serbia concluded a landmark first agreement on normalization of relations, which affirms the primacy of Kosovo’s legal and institutional framework throughout Kosovo’s territory, and provides the basis for substantial local self-governance in Kosovo’s majority Serb north. The EU continues to facilitate talks on implementing the agreement, and on related normalization issues. On May 5, 2014, Kosovo and the EU jointly declared negotiations on a Stabilization and Association Agreement complete, a key step on the path to membership in the European Union.

U.S. Assistance to Kosovo

U.S. Government assistance aims to help Kosovo become a stable, democratic, and economically viable country within Europe, offering equal opportunity and protections to all its citizens. A fact sheet on U.S. assistance to Kosovo can be found here.

Bilateral Economic Relations

U.S. investors in Kosovo are involved with projects in the construction, energy, and real estate development sectors. Kosovo has been designated as a beneficiary country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program; however, legal authorization for the GSP program has expired. As of August 1, 2013, imports previously eligible for duty-free treatment under GSP are subject to regular, normal trade relations duties. The U.S. Congress is considering legislation that would extend the authorization of GSP.

Kosovo's Membership in International Organizations

Kosovo joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in 2009, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2012, and the Council of Europe’s Development Bank in 2013. It most recently joined the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and the International Olympic Committee in 2014. It is not a member of the United Nations. It has a number of diplomatic missions and consular posts worldwide.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo is Tracey Ann Jacobson; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department'sKey Officers List.

Kosovo maintains an embassy in the United States at 2175 K St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20037 (tel. 202-380-3581).

More information about Kosovo is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Kosovo Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Kosovo Page
U.S. Embassy: Kosovo
USAID Kosovo Page
History of U.S. Relations With Kosovo
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Library of Congress Country Studies (see Yugoslavia (Former))
Travel and Business Information

ENDS

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