Kosovo

More information about Kosovo is available on the Kosovo Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-KOSOVO RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Kosovo in 2008, following its declaration of independence from Serbia. The United States has been joined by more than 85 countries in its recognition of Kosovo as an independent, sovereign state.

The United States remains committed to working with the Government of Kosovo and international partners to strengthen Kosovo’s institutions, rule of law, and economy and build a democratic, law-abiding, multi-ethnic, tolerant, and prosperous country. U.S. policy priorities are: encouraging private sector-led economic growth so that Kosovo’s citizens can prosper; ensuring that Kosovo's society and government are firmly grounded in the rule of law; ensuring Kosovo remains a home for all its diverse peoples; strengthening the institutions of Kosovo’s government and civil society required for a strong democratic society; and working with European partners to realize Kosovo’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations.

The United States contributes troops to the NATO-led Kosovo Force to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all of Kosovo’s citizens. Since 2008, the United States has been a member of the International Steering Group (ISG) and contributed staff to the International Civilian Office (ICO), which supervised the Government of Kosovo's implementation of the Comprehensive Settlement Proposal, commonly known as the Ahtisaari Plan. In July 2012, the United States joined our colleagues in the International Steering Group in recognizing the enormous progress Kosovo has achieved, including upholding its commitments to implement the provisions embodied in Special Envoy Ahtisaari's plan and enshrining these into Kosovo law, allowing the end of supervised independence.

Since its deployment in 2008, the United States has contributed staff to the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), marking the first time the United States participated in an EU Common Security and Defense Policy mission. EULEX works with the Government of Kosovo to strengthen rule of law throughout the country and to monitor, mentor, and advise Kosovo police, justice, and customs officials. In 2011, a European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue on practical issues, such as the mutual acceptance of university diplomas, began between Serbia and Kosovo, a process that the United States supports.

U.S. Assistance to Kosovo

U.S. Government assistance aims to help Kosovo become a stable, democratic, and economically viable country within Europe, offering equal opportunity and protections to all its citizens. A fact sheet on U.S. assistance to Kosovo can be found here.

Bilateral Economic Relations

U.S. investors in Kosovo are involved with projects in the construction, energy, and real estate development sectors. Kosovo has been designated as a beneficiary country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, under which a wide range of products that Kosovo might seek to export are eligible for duty-free entry to the United States. While there are few companies that have taken advantage of this designation, the GSP program provides an incentive for investors to produce in Kosovo and export selected products duty-free to the U.S. market.

Kosovo's Membership in International Organizations

Kosovo joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in 2009. It is is not a member of the United Nations. It has a number of diplomatic missions and consular posts worldwide.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo is Tracey Ann Jacobson; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Kosovo maintains an embassy in the United States at 1101 30th Street, NW, Suite 330/340, Washington, DC, 20007 (tel. 202-380-3581).

More information about Kosovo is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Kosovo Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Kosovo Page
U.S. Embassy: Kosovo
USAID Kosovo Page
History of U.S. Relations With Kosovo
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Library of Congress Country Studies (see Yugoslavia (Former))
Travel and Business Information