PRISTINA, Kosovo – Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Western Balkans are facing challenges following U.S. President Donald Trump’s unexpected decision to halt foreign aid for a three-month duration.
Some NGOs depend on funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to aid marginalized communities, while other resources have been channeled toward crucial reforms in various sectors, including justice, finance, and energy.
In Kosovo, USAID has played a significant role in fostering economic development by supporting small and medium enterprises and facilitating the nation’s integration into the European Union and Euro-Atlantic establishments. Since 1999, the United States has invested approximately $2 billion in Kosovo, with over $1 billion coming from USAID.
Following Trump’s directive, all programs and grants reliant on foreign assistance funding are currently halted unless a waiver is granted by the Secretary of State. According to a response from USAID, only essential humanitarian aid initiatives may continue operations.
Blendi Hasaj, a representative of the GAP Institute, which focuses on public policy, indicated that USAID has paused funding for 18 projects collectively valued at around $162 million, adversely affecting public entities involved in taxation, procurement, and various other functions.
Ariana Qosaj Mustafa, chair of the Kosovo Women’s Network—a collective of nearly 140 NGOs—revealed that several organizations have had their financial support interrupted.
“The uncertainty surrounding the future is palpable, and the situation is worrying, especially in a region plagued by instability, where financial instability could lead to further unrest,” she commented.
Particular concern surrounds the suspension of funding for gender and diversity initiatives in this conservative nation. The U.S. has historically supported women’s rights, economic advancement, and property rights, among other issues.
“This could leave women’s organizations isolated and without support,” Mustafa noted, emphasizing the need to determine the future framework for gender and diversity-related programs.
Additionally, this situation may send a strong message to the European Union, urging it to provide broader forms of support beyond financial aid, according to Mustafa.
Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have persisted since the cessation of the 1998-1999 conflict, which resulted in approximately 11,400 fatalities, predominantly among ethnic Albanians, and led to the withdrawal of Serbian forces. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo’s declaration of independence made in 2008.
Attempts by the EU and the U.S. to mediate normalization between Kosovo and Serbia have yielded minimal progress.
Milorad Dodik, the president of a Serb-dominated region in Bosnia, praised the U.S. foreign aid suspension, claiming it was used to “dehumanize” societies and target political figures globally.
Emina Bosnjak, the executive director of the Sarajevo Open Center, warned that the suspension of aid would adversely affect many marginalized groups, particularly as USAID had been active in raising awareness and engagement on discrimination, violence, and hate speech.
“More pronounced narratives opposing human rights and undermining democracy will likely come to the forefront,” she said.
The European Commission is monitoring the developments surrounding USAID assistance to the Western Balkans closely. A spokesperson stated, “As soon as we understand the scope and focus of USAID’s future actions, the Commission will evaluate any potential impact on our objectives.”