The EU Today media outlet has published an analysis of the elections in Kosovo, making a number of predictions about the possibility of a change of government in Kosovo. According to this portal, “Kurti’s relationship with the US and the EU has deteriorated in recent years and the time has come for a new approach. Britain could offer support for a new government.”

EU Today also estimates that "the February 9 elections could bring a new government, most likely led by Bedri Hamza, the current mayor of South Mitrovica and former Minister of Finance."

Further, EU Today describes the profile of PDK's candidate for prime minister, Bedri Hamza, calling him "a calm figure, focused on the economy, health and education; key points that the entire region needs to move forward."

According to this medium, "if Hamza becomes the new leader of Kosovo, this would be welcomed by Washington, EU capitals and would constitute an opportunity for the British Labour government to benefit from a strategic investment in foreign policy."

The author also calls for Britain to play a more active role in the Balkans: “David Lammy in his role as shadow foreign secretary made an early visit to Kosovo. The question is whether he can translate this expression of interest into a serious British commitment to help solve the region’s problems or at least reduce tensions? This would be an opportunity to show that Britain is returning as a key European power, without waiting for a possible return to the EU.”

This is the full article in EU Today and the editorial by Denis McShane, former minister in Tony Blair's Government:

A New European Role for Britain in the Balkans

By Dennis MacShane

The American statesman of the post-World War II period, Dean Acheson, in his famous 1962 statement said: "Britain has lost an empire and has not yet found a role."

Later, Britain found its role as one of the leading states in shaping EU foreign policy. However, Rupert Murdoch, Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage reduced the UK to a marginal player in the continent's foreign policy strategy, despite Britain remaining a major NATO power, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a country with military and nuclear power.

In the 90s, Europe was powerless in the face of Serbian atrocities in the former Yugoslavia. But Tony Blair changed that reality. He formed an alliance with Germany, France, and Italy, including the United States, to intervene in the Balkans and stop the death squads, ethnic cleansing, and the flows of refugees fleeing the Serbian army and militia.

Milosevic ended up in The Hague, but after the fighting stopped, creating a lasting peace became impossible.

Today, the states that emerged from the former Yugoslavia – Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Montenegro – have still not managed to create a new politics based on mutual recognition and internal stability.

The new nationalist government in North Macedonia recently destroyed the agreement reached with Greece on the country's name, plunging Skopje-Athens relations to their lowest point since the signing of this agreement.

Britain continues to be respected in the region for its key role in the intervention that stopped Serbian atrocities. London sent troops, diplomats and economic aid to stabilize the Balkans. Cathy Ashton, the EU's first High Representative for Foreign Policy, worked tirelessly from 2009 to 2014 to keep the region on track.

But after Brexit and the breakdown of relations with EU member states and Brussels institutions, Britain ceased to be a serious factor in European foreign policy.

However, the ongoing insecurity in the region, from Albania to the Aegean, has increased the flow of economic migrants and asylum seekers, affecting Britain as well. Meanwhile, China is expanding its presence and the Belgrade government has become a tool of Putin.

David Lammy in his role as shadow foreign secretary made an early visit to Kosovo. The question is whether he can turn this expression of interest into a serious British commitment to help solve the region's problems or at least reduce tensions?

This would be an opportunity to show that Britain is returning as a key European power, without waiting for a possible return to the EU.

Respect for Britain in the region remains high. Last year, a statue of Tony Blair was erected in Ferizaj.

While most former Yugoslav states remain embroiled in nationalist and personalized politics, Kosovo has built a true democracy; a remarkable achievement for a country that was a war zone just 25 years ago.

Kosovo is the only country in the former Yugoslavia that has consistently progressed in the global democracy index for 10 consecutive years. It has free media, an active civil society, and a regular rotation of ruling parties.

After four years of governance by Albin Kurti, the February 9 elections could bring a new government, most likely led by Bedri Hamza, the current mayor of South Mitrovica and former minister of finance.

Kurti's relationship with the US and the EU has deteriorated in recent years and it is time for a new approach. Britain could offer support to a new government. Hamza is a calm figure, focused on the economy, health and education; key points that the entire region needs to move forward.

If he becomes the new leader of Kosovo, it would be welcomed by Washington, EU capitals, and would represent an opportunity for the British Labour government to benefit from a strategic investment in foreign policy.

The outgoing Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, may receive around 35% of the vote, but Hamza aims to create a broad opposition coalition to form the new government.

If he manages, with Britain's help, to increase Kosovo's presence in the EU and the wider international community, Kosovo will be in a better position in its efforts for full international recognition; something Putin strongly opposes, as he aims to prevent any development that would remove the region from his influence.

Britain can help create a healthier political culture in the Balkans, a region still gripped by the demons of nationalism, historical hatreds and populist politicians.

This would send a clear signal that Britain is back as a power that adds value to Europe and helps move the Western Balkans away from Putinism, pursuing a better European future for all citizens of this region.