ABSTRACT
Kosovo and Croatia, although both newly independent states that have derived from the dissolution of Yugoslavia, have not undergone the same dynamics of state-building and integration processes into Euro-Atlantic structures. This is largely attributed not only to Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo but also to the unequal development opportunities of Kosovo within former Yugoslavia. Such economic and above all socio-political circumstances have placed Kosovo in an unfavorable geopolitical position post-independence. This renders Kosovo a recipient of a development aid as well as expertise. However, Kosovo and Croatia have a long history of good relations based primarily on mutual trust and sharing of values, but also common threats. Hence, for Kosovo, Croatia presents a traditional ally with whom the bilateral relations have only advanced and intensified after the formal declaration of independence. The sustained Croatian support and mentorship, provided to Kosovo after the establishment of diplomatic relations, has enabled the latter to further develop and advance these relations by utilizing them to its benefit. Therefore, this chapter analyzes the development of bilateral relations between Kosovo and Croatia that go beyond the recent history of statehood, highlighting the concrete achievements that have contributed to the strengthening of Kosovo's position in the international arena.
