"Kosovo proposes to take UK's rejected asylum seekers, first nation to offer"

**Kosovo First to Agree to Take UK’s Rejected Asylum Seekers**

Kosovo has become the first country to express willingness to accept asylum seekers whose applications in the UK have been denied, as part of British efforts to establish processing centers abroad.

Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s prime minister, stated he aims to assist the UK and confirmed ongoing discussions between officials from both countries, according to a report. Under the proposed plan, individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected would be sent to facilities outside the UK after all legal appeals are exhausted.

His remarks precede a meeting of western Balkans leaders, set to take place in London this week, hosted by Keir Starmer.

Kurti said, “We intend to support the UK. We see this as both a friendly and political responsibility. Our capacity is limited, but we remain willing to assist. Ongoing discussions between our officials and legal experts focus on ensuring a smooth process for mutual benefit.”

In exchange, Kosovo hopes to gain support in security efforts, whether through strategic agreements, equipment, or collaborative projects.

“Naturally, we seek benefits for our nation, but our priority is fulfilling our duty to assist you, given the significant help you have provided us in the past,” he added.

Unlike some neighboring states, Kosovo has taken a different stance. Earlier this year, Albania’s leader, Edi Rama, remarked that the notion of the UK seeking “locations to relocate migrants” would have been unthinkable before Brexit.

“The reality that this is now happening reflects the country’s current challenges, rather than actions by specific leaders,” Rama said. He added that many discussions now considered normal in British discourse would have been seen as unacceptable before the UK left the EU.

Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presidency chair, Željko Komšić, stated his country would not participate in such agreements. Montenegro’s prime minister, Milojko Spajić, expressed openness to negotiations but emphasized that substantial infrastructure investments by the UK would be a precondition.

Ahead of the summit, Starmer described the event as part of efforts to disrupt illegal movement through the western Balkans. He mentioned plans for a regional taskforce to track and reduce unauthorized migration, including the use of British surveillance technology at key border points.

“Collaboration with regional partners has already reduced irregular border crossings by nearly half. We will continue this work—progress relies on cooperation,” he stated, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in addressing the issue.