Brussels: EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, have issued a statement regarding the Kosovo parliamentary elections, emphasizing the need for a prompt formation of the new Assembly and Government to overcome the political stalemate that followed the February 2025 elections.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the statement, released on Monday, highlighted that the people of Kosovo exercised their democratic right by voting in the early parliamentary elections held on December 28. The EU officials underscored their anticipation for the swift establishment of the new governing bodies and affirmed their commitment to continued engagement with Kosovo's authorities. They stressed that the new government should focus on implementing necessary EU-related reforms.
The statement acknowledged the active participation of all communities and their political parties, noting that the electoral process reflected a strong adherence to democratic values. The European Union has deployed an Expert Electoral Mission (EEM) to monitor the post-electoral procedures in Kosovo.
Kallas and Kos urged the newly formed Parliament to ratify the Growth Plan-related agreements swiftly. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, set for 2024-2027, is a crucial opportunity for Kosovo, and immediate ratification is necessary to capitalize on its benefits for the population.
The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the EU, remains essential for both countries to advance along their European integration paths. The EU officials reiterated the importance of implementing all obligations from the Agreement on the Path to Normalization and all previous Dialogue agreements without delays or preconditions. The EU is prepared to host a high-level meeting when conditions permit.
The statement concluded by noting the EU's progress toward lifting measures on Kosovo, with £216 million in financial assistance already released following the recent local elections. An additional £205 million is expected to be released early next year.