Congressman Keith Self Introduces Resolution Supporting the Integration of Kosovo and other Western Balkan Countries into NATO

Congressman Keith Self (TX-03), alongside Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), introduced a House resolution expressing strong support for the integration of Kosovo into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The resolution affirms that Kosovo's democratic governance, civilian oversight of security forces, and multiethnic coexistence demonstrates a compelling case for NATO membership. Furthermore, as adversarial forces continue to destabilize the region, adding Kosovo to the NATO alliance would serve as a necessary counterweight to discourage such hostile efforts and prevent another global catastrophe from unfolding in the Balkans.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and has since been recognized by over 100 countries, including the United States and a majority of NATO members. However, the absence of unanimous recognition within NATO remains a central barrier to its integration into the Alliance.

Four NATO member states-Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain-that have not yet recognized Kosovo's sovereignty. Because NATO operates by consensus, this lack of recognition presents a significant obstacle to Kosovo's ability to formally advance toward membership, including participation in key accession mechanisms such as the Partnership for Peace and the Membership Action Plan.

Congressman Self's resolution urges these four Allies to reconsider their positions, emphasizing that broader recognition of Kosovo is essential to unlocking its path to NATO integration and closing a strategic gap in Southeastern Europe that adversaries seek to exploit.

"Kosovo has demonstrated a clear commitment to regional stability and strategic alignment with NATO countries, but its progress toward alliance membership is being held back by a lack of recognition from a small number of Allies," said Congressman Self. "Adding Kosovo to the alliance is essential to countering the growing influence of adversaries in Europe. The United States must encourage Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain to reconsider their positions and ensure Kosovo has a credible and achievable pathway to membership."

Adding Kosovo to the NATO alliance is essential to safeguarding the national security interests of the United States in Southeastern Europe.

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