Leaders across Europe have sent the new administration in Washington their well wishes in the 24 hours since Joe Biden took the oath of office.

*Note: English version of an op-ed by Mr. William Dale Montgomery for the Kosovo Online web portal published on 11th January 2021, courtesy of the author – original text from Kosovo online available at: https://www.kosovo-online.com/vesti/politika/montgomeri-nece-biti-napretka-u-dijalogu-dok-zapad-ne-shvati-znacaj-kosovskog

Mr. Montgomery is a retired United States diplomat. He served as the US ambassador in Serbia and Montenegro.

You (Kosovo Online web portal-CEAS comment) have asked a number of specific questions. It is more important to focus on some basic realities about the Balkan situation. I emphasize that I am reflecting the observations of the politics of the region I have personally observed during and long after my retirement from diplomacy and not the official views of any government or individual besides myself.

Joe Biden has a longstanding relationship with the Western Balkans. A re-energised US policy on the region could be transformative, especially when working in tandem with the EU

These positions could be announced as soon as this week along with a larger slate of national security and foreign policy roles.

After passing on Flournoy, Biden taps Kathleen Hicks and Colin Kahl to be Austin's deputy defense secretary and undersecretary for policy.