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Politicians from several Balkan countries used the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington to show their support for the policies of US President Donald Trump. From Albania, there were many representatives of the opposition, as well as the Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi with Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali...
Politicians from several Balkan countries took every opportunity, including the 74th National Prayer Breakfast held February 4–6 in Washington, to emphasize their closeness to the policies and priorities of US President Donald Trump.
These efforts have taken place in a climate of cooling EU-US relations and amid concerns that the Trump administration is shifting its focus from the Balkans to other regions. By 2026, about 80 US ambassadorial posts remain vacant without Senate confirmation, including in Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania. The lack of new appointments has reinforced the perception that the Balkans has fallen in Washington’s hierarchy of strategic priorities.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, in an interview with Newsweek at the World Governance Forum in Dubai, described the people of Kosovo as “the most pro-American in the world” and expressed gratitude for the continued support of the United States. She mentioned several brief conversations with Trump, attributing to him an “extraordinary contribution” to peace in the Western Balkans, especially in mediating between Kosovo and Serbia. Asked about a possible nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, Osmani said that Trump “deserves it.”
In parallel, representatives of the Albanian opposition, including Gazment Bardhi, Fatmir Mediu, Jorida Tabaku, and Albana Vokshi, met on February 5 in Washington with Congressman Michael R. Turner, emphasizing Albania's role as a strategic ally of the US, especially in the fight against organized crime, in line with Trump's priorities.
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović attended the Prayer Breakfast at the invitation of US congressmen and held meetings with lawmakers and officials on political, security and economic cooperation. His office presented the visit as a confirmation of the strategic partnership with the US, built on more than 120 years of relations.
In contrast, no high-ranking Serbian politician publicly confirmed their participation in the event, according to regional television N1. Former ambassador Milan St. Protić suggested that the absence was related to Belgrade's dissatisfaction with US sanctions on the oil company NIS in October 2025.
From Bosnia and Herzegovina's Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik attended after US sanctions against him and his associates were lifted at the end of 2025. He described the participation as an honor, although his separatist rhetoric continues to be seen by the West as a threat to regional stability.
Romania was also present in Washington. Senate President Mircea Abrudean thanked the US for its security support and described the bilateral partnership as fundamental to the country's defense strategy. The US embassy in Bucharest also highlighted Trump's commitment to cooperation in securing critical minerals, with the aim of reducing dependence on China.
Bulgaria initially joined the Board of Peace in Davos, but then GERB leader Boyko Borissov announced that Sofia would not ratify the participation, citing undisclosed problems in bilateral relations with Washington, in a tense domestic political context. /Adapted from “ Eualive ”
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