Kosovo and Albania – Deconstruction of the Idea of Unification

By Lulzim Peci ABSTRACT After the liberation of Kosovo in 1999 and its declaration of independence in 2008, opportunities emerged for more intensive bilateral relations between Kosovo and  Albania. However, in despite of this newfound momentum for increased cooperation, the opinion prevails that bilateral cooperation in general is formal and emotional, rather than substantial and in the interest of citizens. Recently, the stumble and delay of the process of integration of Albania and Kosovo in the European Union has increased the nationalist tendencies in both countries, and has vocalized the issue of unification of the two states. Furthermore, dissatisfaction toward…