European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has urged political forces in Kosovo to prioritize long-term institutional stability, labeling the year 2026 a crucial “moment of European opportunity” for the country.
The statements were made on Friday, May 15, 2026, following a series of high-level meetings in Prishtina, including talks with Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Acting President Albulena Haxhiu.
A High-Stakes First Visit Amid Election Campaigning
The trip marks Commissioner Kos’s first official visit to Prishtina since assuming her role at the European Commission. A previously scheduled visit for March 12 was abruptly canceled after the dissolution of the Kosovo Assembly.
Her arrival comes as the country enters an active political landscape ahead of the snap general elections scheduled for June 7, 2026.
Following her meeting with Kurti, Commissioner Kos expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the overwhelming domestic support for integration, noting that 88 percent of Kosovo citizens believe in the country’s European perspective.
“The year 2026 can be a moment of European opportunities for Kosovo. This requires political forces to unite and find long-term institutional stability,” Kos stated.
Key Requirements: Reforms, Dialogue, and Growth Plan
During a joint press conference, Commissioner Kos outlined the explicit conditions required for Kosovo to advance from a potential candidate status to launching formal membership negotiations:
- Democratic and Economic Reforms: The EU is prepared to intensify cooperation on economic advancement and democratic reforms, specifically within the framework of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
- Dialogue with Belgrade: Kos emphasized that constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia remains an indispensable prerequisite for unlocking actual EU accession negotiations.
- Inclusive Decisions: The Commissioner stressed the necessity of addressing issues related to Serbian institutions in an inclusive manner, in deep consultation with the local Serbian community.
The Security Dimension
Commissioner Kos explicitly connected Western Balkan enlargement to continental stability, pointing out that in the current geopolitical climate, expanding the EU is as much about strengthening shared security as it is about administrative alignment.
“When we talk about the role of Kosovo, there can be no security in Europe without Kosovo; Kosovo is an integral part of the wider picture,” Kos noted.
While refusing to provide an exact target date for accession, she reaffirmed that the European Commission will work tirelessly to bring Prishtina closer to Brussels, emphasizing that the pace remains strictly performance-based. Following the June 7 elections, the Commissioner stressed, the immediate priority for political leaders must be to form stable institutions and elect a new president in a spirit of compromise.
