Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said his country is ready to assist the United Kingdom in tackling illegal migration, confirming ongoing talks with British officials on a potential bilateral agreement. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Western Balkans summit in London, Kurti said it was Kosovo’s “duty” to help its ally manage irregular migration, citing deep historic ties and cooperation.
Kurti revealed that discussions between Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and UK legal teams are underway to identify ways to implement the plan “smoothly for mutual benefit.” He said, “We want to help the UK — we consider that that is our friendly and political duty. We have limited capacity but still we want to help.”
UK-Kosovo Partnership Talks Intensify
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host leaders from six Western Balkan nations in London as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on migration, security, and regional stability. The discussions come as Starmer faces domestic pressure to reduce the number of people residing in the UK illegally, a key pledge made during his election campaign.
According to UK officials, the talks include exploring possible “return hubs” in partner countries where migrants who have exhausted all legal appeals could be sent. While Kosovo has emerged as one of the most viable options, officials stressed that the idea remains one of several under review.
Kurti said Kosovo would seek greater security cooperation and stronger UK diplomatic backing in return, particularly in countering Serbian threats, curbing Russian influence, and protecting its borders.
Historical Ties Underpin New Cooperation
Kurti invoked Britain’s role in ending the Bosnian War in the 1990s, saying Kosovo would “never forget” the UK’s help during its own struggle for independence. “We have a moral and political obligation to support the UK,” he said, describing the talks as an opportunity to “repay friendship with partnership.”
Analysts note that Kosovo’s willingness to host migration facilities could strengthen its international standing and deepen security and economic ties with Britain. The proposal follows similar discussions held by Western Balkan foreign ministers at Hillsborough Castle in Belfast earlier this month.
Background: Starmer’s Migration Agenda
Since taking office, Keir Starmer has prioritized tightening immigration enforcement and pursuing deals with partner countries to return individuals who have no legal right to remain in the UK. The potential deal with Kosovo could mirror earlier UK efforts to negotiate with countries such as Rwanda, though officials emphasize that any partnership would adhere to international law and human rights standards.
The London summit marks Starmer’s first major multilateral engagement with the Western Balkans, reflecting the UK’s post-Brexit push to rebuild influence in southeastern Europe while addressing migration pressures.
