Occupational therapy: Frozen conflicts, Russian aggression and EU enlargement
As Russia accelerates its annexation of “frozen conflict” regions, the EU must enhance its policy to counter Moscow’s influence
Experts & Staff
Tefta Kelmendi
ECFR Alumni · Deputy Director, Wider Europe
Areas of expertise
Western Balkans and eastern neighbourhood; democracy promotion; EU enlargement; security and protracted conflicts
Languages
Albanian, English, French, Italian
Biography
Tefta Kelmendi was the deputy director for the Wider Europe programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Kelmendi’s research centres on EU policy in the eastern neighbourhood and the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on EU enlargement and democracy promotion. It also incorporates security issues and protracted conflicts in the Western Balkans and select countries within the eastern neighbourhood.
Prior to joining ECFR, Kelmendi served as a diplomat at the Kosovo embassy in France, where she was responsible for Kosovo’s relations with French-speaking countries, Kosovo’s international recognition, and its integration in international organisations. She has previous experience working with the Ministry of European Integration in Kosovo on human rights policies, with a particular focus on minority rights and integration. Kelmendi holds a master’s degree in international security from Sciences Po – Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA).
A narrow window: How Europeans can still halt Georgia’s authoritarian turn
As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. A coalition of France, Germany and Poland, together with Britain, could salvage its democracy and stability
Why the EU should use Kosovo’s election to advance its goals in the Western Balkans
Kosovo remains at odds with Serbia—and the EU. The outcome of the country’s imminent election could allow the EU to transform relations between the countries and open the door to Kosovo’s accession
Riding the wave: How Albania can make the most of its EU moment
Albania has begun talks to become an EU member state. Successful accession could restore credibility in the enlargement process for Western Balkan and eastern European candidate countries – while offering enhanced political and economic stability for Albania
On the rocks: How the EU can keep Georgia’s European future alive
Barely a month after Georgian Dream declared victory in a contested and undemocratic election, Georgia’s European future hangs by a thread. The EU must act decisively to prevent its slide towards Moscow
Russia’s playbook in Georgia and Moldova
Mark Leonard welcomes Tefta Kelmendi and Nicu Popescu to discuss what the EU can learn from the recent elections in Georgia and Moldova
The interest of values: The EU’s democracy promotion in the Western Balkans and the eastern neighbourhood
With EU enlargement back on the agenda, democracy promotion in candidate countries is a key geopolitical interest for the bloc. The EU’s previous efforts to promote democracy in the Western Balkans and eastern neighbourhood may hold valuable lessons for the years ahead
Separate to integrate: EU enlargement and the trouble with bilateral disputes
That EU enlargement is a geopolitical imperative is no longer in doubt. But to make enlargement happen, the EU may need to decouple bilateral disputes from the accession process
Trial and tribulation: The complex process of prosecuting war crimes in Kosovo
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers aims to bring justice to victims of war crimes committed during the Kosovo war. But so far, it is causing controversy and could complicate reconciliation efforts
Licence to operate: How the EU can counter Russia and ease tensions between Kosovo and Serbia
Leaders in Kosovo and Serbia need to dial back the nationalist rhetoric and prepare their populations for concessions – and the EU’s role in this process remains indispensable
Publications
Occupational therapy: Frozen conflicts, Russian aggression and EU enlargement
As Russia accelerates its annexation of “frozen conflict” regions, the EU must enhance its policy to counter Moscow’s influence
The interest of values: The EU’s democracy promotion in the Western Balkans and the eastern neighbourhood
With EU enlargement back on the agenda, democracy promotion in candidate countries is a key geopolitical interest for the bloc. The EU’s previous efforts to promote democracy in the Western Balkans and eastern neighbourhood may hold valuable lessons for the years ahead
The young and the restless: Europe, Russia, and the next generation of diplomats in the Eastern Partnership
Young diplomats in Eastern Partnership countries are optimistic and pro-European. Many of them want the EU to become a bolder geopolitical actor
Articles
A narrow window: How Europeans can still halt Georgia’s authoritarian turn
As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. A coalition of France, Germany and Poland, together with Britain, could salvage its democracy and stability
Why the EU should use Kosovo’s election to advance its goals in the Western Balkans
Kosovo remains at odds with Serbia—and the EU. The outcome of the country’s imminent election could allow the EU to transform relations between the countries and open the door to Kosovo’s accession
Riding the wave: How Albania can make the most of its EU moment
Albania has begun talks to become an EU member state. Successful accession could restore credibility in the enlargement process for Western Balkan and eastern European candidate countries – while offering enhanced political and economic stability for Albania
On the rocks: How the EU can keep Georgia’s European future alive
Barely a month after Georgian Dream declared victory in a contested and undemocratic election, Georgia’s European future hangs by a thread. The EU must act decisively to prevent its slide towards Moscow
Separate to integrate: EU enlargement and the trouble with bilateral disputes
That EU enlargement is a geopolitical imperative is no longer in doubt. But to make enlargement happen, the EU may need to decouple bilateral disputes from the accession process
Trial and tribulation: The complex process of prosecuting war crimes in Kosovo
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers aims to bring justice to victims of war crimes committed during the Kosovo war. But so far, it is causing controversy and could complicate reconciliation efforts
Licence to operate: How the EU can counter Russia and ease tensions between Kosovo and Serbia
Leaders in Kosovo and Serbia need to dial back the nationalist rhetoric and prepare their populations for concessions – and the EU’s role in this process remains indispensable
Grain of truth: Why Russia rejoined the Ukraine food export deal
Turkey’s strength in the Black Sea may have persuaded Russia to return to the Ukraine grain export deal. But the agreement also lends another string to its bow
Join forces: How to sustain public support for Ukraine’s EU accession
Most Europeans now support Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Yet the union’s energy, economic, and security policies will need to address public fears if it is to sustain this support
Past talker: How the EU should respond to the Serbian president’s re-election
The EU needs to convince Serbia’s newly re-elected president that his country must choose between European integration and subservience to Russia
Podcasts
Russia’s playbook in Georgia and Moldova
Mark Leonard welcomes Tefta Kelmendi and Nicu Popescu to discuss what the EU can learn from the recent elections in Georgia and Moldova
In the media
Tefta Kelmendi on a potential EU membership for Albania
Tefta Kelmendi on protests in Serbia
Tefta Kelmendi on legislative elections in Kosovo
Tefta Kelmendi on current situation in Georgia
International partners can address the formation of the Association of Serb Municipalities by adopting a balanced approach toward Kosovo and providing assurances regarding its sovereignty
Tefta Kelmendi on Kosovo’s relations with international partners