PRISTINA, Kosovo — Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the Western Balkans are facing significant challenges after President Trump unexpectedly halted foreign aid for a duration of three months.
Many of these organizations depend on funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support marginalized communities. This financial assistance has also been crucial for initiating important reforms in areas such as the judiciary, finance, and energy sectors.
Within Kosovo, USAID has played a pivotal role in fostering economic development by aiding small and medium enterprises and facilitating the nation’s integration into European Union and Euro-Atlantic frameworks. Since 1999, the United States has poured approximately $2 billion into Kosovo, with more than $1 billion sourced from USAID.
Following Trump’s directive, all programs and grants funded by foreign assistance that lack a waiver authorized by the Secretary of State are currently on hold. Only humanitarian assistance programs deemed critical for survival are allowed to continue or restart their work, as stated by a USAID representative.
Blendi Hasaj from the GAP Institute, a public policy think tank, provided details that USAID has put a stop to funding for 18 projects, totaling around 157 million euros ($162 million). These cuts are affecting public institutions involved in various vital functions, including taxation and procurement.
Ariana Qosaj Mustafa of the Kosovo Women’s Network, which encompasses around 140 NGOs, reported that several organizations have already seen their funding discontinued. “Everyone is left in limbo about what the future holds and how these circumstances will evolve,” she remarked. “This situation raises significant concerns, especially in a region already struggling with instability, as financial uncertainty could lead to increased unrest.”
The suspension of funding for projects focused on gender issues and diversity is particularly alarming in this conservative society. American assistance has been instrumental in backing women’s organizations, promoting women’s rights, property rights, and economic empowerment.
“This could leave women’s organizations without support during a critical period,” she noted. “We are eager to understand how gender and diversity initiatives will progress—if they will even continue at all.”
Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia remain high following the conflict from 1998 to 1999 between the forces of the Serbian government and ethnic Albanian separatists, resulting in 11,400 casualties, predominantly ethnic Albanians, and the expulsion of Serbian forces. Serbia still does not acknowledge Kosovo’s declaration of independence, made in 2008.
Despite attempts by both the EU and the United States to mediate relations between Kosovo and Serbia, there has been little advancement.
Milorad Dodik, president of a Serb-dominated region in Bosnia, praised the suspension of U.S. foreign aid, claiming that it has typically been used to “dehumanize” societies and undermine political figures globally.
Emina Bosnjak from the Sarajevo Open Center indicated that many marginalized groups are likely to suffer repercussions from this aid freeze, noting that prior USAID initiatives addressed issues of discrimination, violence, and hate speech.
“There will likely be an emergence of stronger narratives against human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, making those views more publicly pronounced,” she expressed.