Most Balkan leaders scramble to seek Trump’s attention amid shifting U.S. priorities

Politicians from several Balkan countries seized every available opportunity, including the 74th National Prayer Breakfast held 4-6  February in Washington, to showcase their alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies and priorities.

These efforts unfolded against a backdrop of EU-U.S. estrangement and growing concerns that the the Trump administration is redirecting its attention away from the Balkans toward other global regions. As of 2026, roughly 80 U.S. ambassadorial posts remain vacant without Senate-confirmed representatives, leaving countries such as Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania in a prolonged state of diplomatic uncertainty. No new ambassadors have been appointed to these nations, which has deepened the perception that the region has fallen lower on Washington’s list of strategic concerns.

America’s missing ambassadors: a signal of U.S. losing interest in the Balkans

Displays of loyalty

Several Balkan representatives used recent events to publicly affirm their support for Trump and his initiatives.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, speaking in a Newsweek interview at the World Government Forum in Dubai, portrayed Kosovars as “the most pro-American people on Earth” and expressed deep gratitude for consistent U.S. support across administrations. She highlighted four brief yet meaningful conversations with Trump, crediting him with an “exceptional contribution” to peace in the Western Balkans, especially through his mediation efforts between Kosovo and Serbia. When asked about nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, Osmani responded affirmatively, stating, “There is no doubt that he deserves it.”

Trump has frequently expressed his desire for the award, pointing to his claimed role in resolving various global conflicts, including tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, although these claims have drawn scrutiny. During his remarks at the Prayer Breakfast, Trump mentioned Kosovo among the conflicts he asserted his administration had addressed, while voicing frustration that Norway had not acknowledged these efforts with the prize.

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Kosovo has joined Trump’s Board of Peace, a new initiative launched in Davos in early January under Trump’s chairmanship to advance global conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. Albania also ratified its participation in the Board of Peace, with Prime Minister Edi Rama describing it as a significant diplomatic achievement.

Albanian opposition figures, including Gazment Bardhi, Fatmir Mediu, Jorida Tabaku, and Albana Vokshi, met on 5 February with U.S. Congressman Michael R. Turner in Washington to underscore Albania’s dedication as a strategic U.S. ally, particularly in addressing organised crime and drug cartels in line with Trump’s priorities.

Meanwhile, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović attended the Prayer Breakfast at the invitation of U.S. congressmen, where he held discussions with lawmakers, senators, and officials on political cooperation, security, and economic prospects. His office characterized the visit as affirming Montenegro’s entry into international decision-making circles and the enduring value of a strategic U.S. partnership rooted in more than 120 years of relations, with promises of enhanced economic growth, security, and benefits for citizens.

In contrast, no high-level Serbian politician publicly confirmed attendance at this year’s event, according to regional broadcaster N1. Previous invitees had included former Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić and figures such as Vuk Drašković and Nenad Popović. Former ambassador Milan St. Protić  suggested that the absence stemmed from Serbian frustration over U.S. sanctions imposed on the oil company NIS in October 2025, which were delayed and conditioned on divesting Russia’s majority stake.

From Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Republika Srpska, leader Milorad Dodik attended the event following the U.S. lifting of sanctions on him and associates in late 2025. Accompanied by Željka Cvijanović and others, Dodik posted on X that it was an honor to participate where “faith, responsibility, and common-sense politics meet.” The sanctions had previously targeted Dodik, Cvijanović, Srebrenka Golić, and others over actions that Western governments regarded as separatist.

A few months ago, Dodik was under US sanctions. Now he's in Washington going to basketball games and meeting with top members of the administration. He's managed the Trump era much better than Vučić, who's been completely sidelined. https://t.co/Yj4SqKrPVY https://t.co/59jjvaxLcF

— Lily Lynch (@lilyslynch) February 6, 2026

At the same time, The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest highlighted Trump’s firm commitment to working with Romania on securing critical mineral supplies for defence, energy, and technology, as part of broader U.S.-led initiatives involving Foreign Minister Oana Coiu to diminish dependence on China.

Bulgaria initially joined the Board of Peace under outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in Davos, alongside Kosovo and Turkey. However, amid public discontent and impending elections, GERB leader Boyko Borissov informed the European People’s Party that Bulgaria would not ratify its participation, citing unspecified bilateral issues with Washington.

Borissov backpedals, tells EPP Bulgaria will not ratify Trump’s Board of Peace charter

Regional maneuvering in a transactional era

Turkey has joined the Board of Peace and sustains close relations with Trump, who has praised led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s interactions with Vladimir Putin as potentially beneficial for mediation, including in Ukraine. Trump has spoken positively of engaging with “tough leaders” like Erdoğan. Turkey has proposed mediating U.S.-Iran tensions amid threats of strikes related to protests and nuclear concerns, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressing dialogue over military options.

U.S. Ambassador to Athens Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle announced last week Trump’s planned official visit to Greece, expressing enthusiasm for both the president and First Lady Melania Trump to participate, describing it as a huge honor. No specific dates or potential additional stops in Israel, Cyprus, or Turkey were detailed.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on 11 February According to reports in Kathimerini, the meeting is being encouraged by Donald Trump, who has urged the two NATO allies to improve relations and “be friends.”

For Turkey, showing restraint helps advance its negotiations with Washington on possibly rejoining the F-35 program, following a recent compromise.

For Greece, stable ties with Ankara lower the risk of military confrontation in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, freeing up resources from defence spending for economic priorities.

Trump himself frequently emphasizes his active diplomatic efforts, often suggesting they merit a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. While Kosovo has expressed strong support, it remains uncertain how many other Balkan countries will ultimately back such a nomination.

Sources: BGNES, Antena-M, KosovaPress, BTA, European Western Balkans

Caption: U.S.  President Donald Trump participates in a bill signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 03 February 2026. The bill passed by the House of Representatives restores funding for several major federal departments, ending the partial government shutdown that began on 31 January. EPA/YURI GRIPAS / POOL

• Balkans
• Donald Trump
• National Prayer Breakfast
• Nobel Peace Prize
• U.S.

Updated: February 6, 2026 - 20:03