The French Ambassador to Kosovo, Oliver Guérot, has underlined the importance of respecting the independence of the Constitutional Court while expressing concern over the delays in forming functional state institutions.
Speaking at a media event in Çagllavicë titled “Disinformation and Fake News in Election Campaigns – How to Protect Voters and Safeguard the Democratic Process”, Guérot called the lack of functioning institutions in Kosovo a misfortune.
“The Constitutional Court is a highly respected institution, both inside and outside Kosovo. It is a full member of the European Association of Constitutional Courts and of the Francophone Association of Constitutional Courts. I urge institutions to continue respecting its independence. The Court is one of the pillars of the Republic of Kosovo, and it has our full support,” he stated.
Institutional Deadlock Blocking Projects
Ambassador Guérot stressed that the absence of a fully functioning government and parliament has stalled several international projects, including those supported by the French Development Agency.
“I think it’s unfortunate that we are in this situation. Kosovo is not the only country facing such circumstances – in my own country, we currently have a prime minister but not a fully appointed government. This is not a good situation for any country, nor for Kosovo.
The French Development Agency has projects ready to support Kosovo’s energy transition and preparations for the Mediterranean Games. We have cooperated with the government of Albin Kurti, now in a caretaker role, and we are ready to work with whichever government emerges. But at the moment, we are somewhat blocked because Kosovo’s Constitution requires any international agreement with financial implications to be ratified by parliament – and we do not have a functioning parliament,” Guérot explained.
Dialogue With Serbia “Not Dead”
On the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Guérot stressed that it remains the only path forward and warned against narratives portraying it as “dead.”
“Dialogue is not dead. Dialogue is the only way to make progress. Those who promote the idea of a dead dialogue promote a lack of progress – and that is not in anyone’s interest. The EU-led dialogue remains the relevant platform to address issues, with strong support from EU member states, including France,” he said.
Technical Cooperation Continues Despite Limitations
Guérot confirmed that France continues technical and professional cooperation with Kosovo, particularly in energy projects and preparations for the Mediterranean Games, but emphasized the need for fully functional institutions to deepen engagement.
“We have a working relationship. Some things cannot move forward due to institutional or constitutional constraints, but technical projects continue. Still, what we want – not only France but all partners – is a full-fledged partner with functioning institutions,” he concluded.
