Kako Haris i Tramp vide Zapadni Balkan?

Vašington —
Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for president of the United States, has promised to support Western Balkan countries in the fight against corruption and in continuing their Euro-Atlantic integration, while former US president and Republican candidate Donald Trump has pledged economic cooperation and strengthening security in the region.
Representatives of Harris and Trump’s campaign teams clarified their positions ahead of the presidential elections in America, which will be held on November 5, in a written response to the Macedonian service of Voice of America.
„Vice President Harris has consistently advocated for the advancement of democracy, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption. The fight against corruption is a matter of national security interest for the United States, which is one of the reasons why Vice President Harris is fully committed to advancing the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the six Western Balkan countries. NATO and the EU are based on common democratic values, including strong, independent, and accountable institutions,“ said a spokesperson for Kamala Harris’s campaign in a brief response to a question about the future policy of the Democrats towards the Western Balkans.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order providing for the blocking of assets and entry into the United States of individuals contributing to the destabilization of the Western Balkans, actions that include corruption.
The Trump campaign sent a slightly longer response to Voice of America regarding their policy towards the Western Balkans. Christos Marafacos, Vice President of the National Diversity Committee in Trump’s campaign, states that if the Republican candidate is reelected, his policy will „emphasize pragmatic partnerships focused on stability, economic opportunities, and the fight against corruption.“
He claims that unlike previous administrations, the White House led by Trump would not boast about democracy, but would work to achieve „real, responsible results by working directly with local leaders and people in the region.“
„President Trump understands that real peace comes from strong, self-sufficient states. His administration would focus on strengthening the economic strength and security of Balkan countries, enabling them to resist corruption and external pressure. This means supporting strategic economic trade agreements and anti-corruption measures not just in words, but through effective partnerships, resource sharing, and training that strengthen local institutions,“ Marafacos said.
He claims that Biden’s administration’s foreign policy in the Balkans is „marked by inaction, empty promises, and a lack of commitment to truly understanding the unique challenges of the region.“
„Instead of implementing significant economic initiatives and development initiatives in countries like Greece, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia to support these nations in their fight against corruption and aspirations for EU integration, the Biden administration has opted for a passive approach,“ the Trump campaign representative claims.
Marafacos promises a „fresh and decisive approach“ to the Western Balkans if Trump returns to the White House.
„His administration will take active steps to prevent foreign influence from destabilizing the region, ensuring that the Balkans progress on a stable, prosperous path,“ Marafacos concluded.
During Trump’s first term, representatives of Serbia and Kosovo signed the Washington Agreement in September 2020. The agreement was mediated by Trump’s envoy for the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, Richard Grenell. Through the agreement, Serbia and Kosovo committed to economic cooperation in separate documents, as well as cooperation with the US.