Kosovo’s EU path backed by Parliament, but political deadlock raises concerns

The European Parliament has reaffirmed its strong support for Kosovo’s European future, but growing concerns over prolonged political instability are casting a shadow over the country’s accession ambitions as voters prepare to return to the polls once again.

A new report by European Parliament rapporteur Riho Terras, expected to be endorsed by the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), reiterates support for Kosovo’s application for European Union membership submitted in December 2022 and calls on the five EU member states that still do not recognise Kosovo’s independence – Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Greece and Cyprus – to reconsider their position.

At the same time, however, the report delivers a clear warning: political polarisation and repeated institutional blockages are increasingly threatening Kosovo’s ability to advance on its European path.

The vote comes as Kosovo prepares for parliamentary elections on 7 June, the third national election in just 18 months. The latest political crisis was triggered after parliament failed to elect a new president within the constitutional deadline, forcing the country back to the ballot box despite the fact that Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje movement won a convincing victory only months earlier.

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According to the report, persistent political divisions risk delaying reforms linked to the accession process and could undermine Kosovo’s ability to absorb EU financial assistance. Political stability is therefore increasingly viewed as a prerequisite for further progress.

The report also places significant emphasis on the EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, describing normalisation of relations as essential for regional stability. MEPs call on Serbia not to obstruct Kosovo’s participation in international organisations, including the Council of Europe.

The European Parliament’s assessment of Serbia, meanwhile, is markedly more critical. In a separate report prepared by rapporteur Tonino Picula, MEPs acknowledge limited progress in parts of the accession process but stress that many of the reforms required for further advancement remain incomplete. Particular concern is directed at the rule of law, democratic institutions and media freedoms. The report also urges Belgrade to demonstrate greater alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, highlighting Serbia’s continued reluctance to fully support EU measures related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

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Security issues remain high on the European agenda as well. The report on Kosovo welcomes defence cooperation between Kosovo, Albania and Croatia, describing it as a contribution to strengthening regional resilience against hybrid threats. It also refers to the Banjska attack and notes that Milan Radoičić has still not been brought to justice, highlighting continuing concerns about security in northern Kosovo.

The debate over Kosovo’s future is increasingly taking place against a changing geopolitical backdrop. Russia’s war against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding long-term transatlantic security guarantees have pushed the European Union to place greater emphasis on political reliability and institutional resilience among candidate countries.

Former EU Special Representative for Kosovo Wolfgang Petritsch argues that the country’s repeated political crises are damaging its international credibility at precisely the moment when Europe is reassessing its security architecture.

Speaking to Radio Free Europe, Petritsch said Kosovo risks being perceived not as a small but reliable democracy, but as another source of instability on Europe’s periphery. He warned that a year and a half of institutional paralysis represents a serious loss of credibility for a country still seeking broader international recognition.

The concerns are shared by both Brussels and Washington.

During a visit to Pristina in May, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged political parties to overcome divisions and form functioning institutions capable of advancing the country’s European agenda.

As voters head to the polls once again, European officials and international partners appear increasingly focused on what happens after election day. For Kosovo, the challenge is no longer simply proving that it can hold democratic elections. It is demonstrating that those elections can produce stable institutions capable of governing effectively and advancing the country’s long-term European ambitions. For Serbia, the key question is whether it is prepared to match its membership ambitions with deeper reforms and closer alignment with the EU’s foreign policy priorities.

Together, the reports on Kosovo and Serbia illustrate a broader shift in the EU’s enlargement policy. Political support for the Western Balkans remains strong, but Brussels is placing greater emphasis on institutional effectiveness, democratic governance and geopolitical consistency.