Why does Albin Kurti no longer talk about national unification?

By Musa Kurtulaj

When history creates decisive moments, political leaders are judged not only by what they have promised, but above all by the courage to turn promises into vision and action.

Recent developments in Kosovo, in a tense political climate because of the decisions of the Specialist Court in The Hague against the four former KLA leaders, whom it sentenced to 81 years in prison, are bringing back to the centre of debate the great historical and national question: the National Unification of the Albanians of Kosovo and Albania.

This is not simply a matter of a political slogan, nor of a momentary emotion that flares up whenever Albanians face injustice or historical challenges. It is a project of strategic dimensions, tied to the political, economic, diplomatic and security future of the Albanian Nation in a world that is changing rapidly.

In this context, attention naturally turns to the Vetëvendosje Movement and its leader, Albin Kurti. Where did the National Unification platform end up, the platform with which Vetëvendosje built an important part of its political identity? Is it still part of its strategic vision, or has it been left in silence, locked in the vault of political calculations?

— From a political ideal to governing responsibility —

The Vetëvendosje Movement emerged and grew strong on Kosovo’s political scene by articulating strong ideas about sovereignty, self-determination and national unification. These positions gave it a distinctive political identity and helped it win the support of a considerable part of the Albanian electorate.

For many citizens, the idea of unification with Albania represented much more than a political alternative. It embodied a historical aspiration across generations, a sense of belonging and a vision for overcoming the divisions that history unjustly imposed on Albanians.

Vetëvendosje managed to challenge the traditional parties, including the PDK and the LDK, presenting itself as a force that aimed to change not only the way of governing, but also Kosovo’s political horizon.

Its convincing victory in the 2021 elections transformed this movement from an opposition force with transformative rhetoric into a subject with direct state responsibilities.

But precisely here the essential question arises: has power faded the ideal of unification, or does this ideal continue to be part of Vetëvendosje’s strategy?

It must be stressed that it is one thing to build political support on a national aspiration, and quite another to show what you are prepared to do when you hold the institutions and the responsibility for the country’s future in your hands.

A political programme cannot be important only during election campaigns. If it represents a genuine conviction, it must remain part of the public debate, develop and adapt to new circumstances.

— The Specialist Court and the moment for a great national reflection —

The decisions of the Kosovo Specialist Court in The Hague against the former KLA leaders have opened a new chapter of political and historical debate in Kosovo. Beyond the legal positions and political differences, these developments have touched a sensitive part of the Albanian collective memory.

At such a moment, Kosovo needs political maturity, social unity and a clear vision for the future.

Precisely here, a broader debate about Kosovo–Albania relations and about the possibility of a deepened cooperation, going beyond ordinary interstate agreements, can gain meaning.

— Can this climate turn into an impetus for a new national project? —

Can this be the time when Albanian politics steps out of the logic of narrow party interests and builds a common strategy for the decades to come?

These are questions that require serious answers. National emotions may ignite the debate, but only a well-argued vision, supported by democratic will and international reality, can give it direction.

— Albin Kurti before the test of history —

Albin Kurti stands before a dilemma that goes beyond ordinary day-to-day politics. He has the opportunity to show whether National Unification is still an inseparable part of his political vision, or an idea that has lost priority in the face of the challenges of governing.

If this aspiration continues to be part of his convictions, then the moment has come to bring it back into the debate — not as an unconditional promise, but as a political project that requires analysis, preparation and broad social support.

Not speaking about an important issue does not necessarily mean you have abandoned it. But prolonged silence creates room for doubts and for interpretations that yesterday’s ideals have been replaced by the pragmatism of power.

It is therefore natural in this case to ask why Vetëvendosje must answer a simple, but politically and historically significant question: where does National Unification stand in its programme today? If the idea is still alive, it deserves to be articulated clearly. If it has been revised, the public deserves to know why. And if it has been left behind, then it is right to demand a political explanation for this change.

A political force that claims to represent such a historical vision cannot evade the responsibility of explaining its relationship with that vision.

— Albania, from strategic partnership to a common horizon —

No project for the future of the Albanians can be conceived without the role of Albania, the mother state.

Tirana and Pristina have a special responsibility to take cooperation to a much higher level. The economy, infrastructure, energy, education, defence, diplomacy and European integration are fields where coordination can bring tangible benefits.

But beyond this cooperation, the question of the aspiration for political unification remains open.

Albania must be part of an honest and mature debate about this idea, treating it neither as a political taboo nor as a project that can be realised with emotional declarations.

In a Europe where political borders do not necessarily hinder economic integration and institutional cooperation, Albanians must think about models that guarantee development, free movement, security and a strengthening of their international position.

But a state unification is a different matter from European integration. It requires democratic will, respect for constitutions, compatibility with international law and a detailed analysis of the political and strategic consequences.

These obstacles do not close the debate. On the contrary, they make a more serious debate necessary.

— One nation, six states and a reality that demands answers —

Albanians live in several Balkan states, with different political, legal and social realities. This distribution is the result of historical developments, of the unjust decisions of the Great Powers and of the conflicts that have defined the map of the region.

But should this state of affairs be a permanent and untouchable reality?

Should Albanians settle for limited cooperation between their institutions, while other peoples and states of the region build alliances, joint projects and new mechanisms of cooperation?

If the Albanian nation aims to have a stronger voice in the region and in Europe, it must invest in a long-term strategy that goes beyond day-to-day politics.

National Unification, in this sense, can be a political horizon for those who support it. But strengthening inter-Albanian ties is an objective that can and must be made concrete also through economic, cultural, educational and diplomatic cooperation, regardless of differences over the future state form.

— National security is not only a matter of armaments —

The Western Balkans is experiencing important changes in the field of security. States are increasing their defence capacities, strengthening alliances and preparing for an ever more unpredictable international environment. In this reality, Albania and Kosovo must have a common and responsible approach to security.

However, security is not built only with weapons, military equipment and defence capacities. It also rests on a stable economy, strong institutions, active diplomacy, social cohesion and strategic partnerships.

An Albanian space that is more integrated economically and institutionally would have greater possibilities to face crises and increase its influence; therefore, the question is not whether we must choose between defence and national cooperation. Both are important. The important question is how we can build a strategy in which security and development reinforce each other.

— Unification as strength, not as a threat —

The idea of National Unification must be presented as a political aspiration supported by the will of the citizens, by democracy and by respect for regional peace.

It must not turn into an instrument for frightening neighbours or for creating unnecessary tensions.

On the contrary, a credible project for the future of the Albanians must demonstrate that deeper cooperation between Kosovo and Albania brings stability, development and a European perspective for the entire region. Albanians have in this respect the advantage of their historical past: they have never attacked others, but have always been attacked by others and forced to fight to defend themselves. No court in The Hague or anywhere else can overturn this historical testimony!

In this sense, the message to the international factor must be clear: Albanians seek to discuss their future through democratic means and within the frameworks of international law.

There is nothing wrong with discussing national aspirations, but there is a great responsibility in the way they are articulated and in the consequences they may produce.

— Pandora’s box or the key to a new era? —

Opening the debate on National Unification should not be seen as opening a dangerous box, but as an opportunity to examine a historical issue with calm, arguments and responsibility.

If this idea has potential for the future, it must be supported by a clear platform, with defined objectives, with a democratic path and with a real analysis of the challenges.

If, on the contrary, it remains only a slogan that is activated at certain political moments, then it risks losing credibility and turning into an ordinary electoral instrument. Here lies the real test for Vetëvendosje and Albin Kurti. It is not enough to remind people that you once spoke about unification. You must show what you understand by it today, what path you propose and how you see its realisation in the conditions of the 21st century.

— Albin Kurti, history does not wait endlessly! —

Albin Kurti has an important political opportunity to bring the debate about the common future of the Albanians back to the centre of attention. He can do this by proposing a serious platform, by opening a broad dialogue with Albania and with Albanians in the region, and by turning the national aspiration into a project that can be discussed, measured and is democratic.

If he does this, he will show that his political ideals are not necessarily hostage to power, and that the national vision can survive beyond electoral cycles.

If he does not, then it will be natural for citizens and his supporters to ask whether the former platform is still part of Vetëvendosje’s political project.

History does not give leaders endless opportunities to act. Favourable moments appear and disappear, while political responsibility remains.

Albin Kurti, if National Unification is still part of your vision, take it out of the vault. Turn it into a debate, into a platform and into a project that belongs to the citizens, not only to the party.

Albanians need more than promises. They need a clear vision, lasting cooperation and leaders who know how to look beyond the interests of the day. And if one day the time comes for a historic decision, it must be the result of the free will of the citizens, of a democratic process and of a project that guarantees peace, prosperity and national dignity.

Unification is strength, but only vision, responsibility and democratic will can turn that strength into a future.

If National Unification has been part of the political identity with which Vetëvendosje grew, where is that vision today? Take it out of the vault, because the “train” comes and passes quickly, without waiting long at stations! This must not be forgotten!