The European Commission (EC) has confirmed that it expects the full removal of measures imposed on Kosovo in the coming weeks.
Jan Gert Koopman, Director for Enlargement at the EC, stated that this will involve the release of more than €400 million, including measures that were initially lifted in December 2025.
He explained that institutions are working in parallel on fund programming and project contracting, ensuring that the release of financial support is implemented efficiently.
“In practice, between programming and contracting, we will remove all financial measures in the coming weeks. This is exactly what our President has stated and what we are currently doing,” Koopman said before the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The European Union (EU) had imposed sanctions on Kosovo in 2023, suspending funding and bilateral meetings between EU officials and Kosovo government representatives. These measures were enacted in response to tensions in northern Kosovo, predominantly inhabited by Serbs, following the mandate acceptance by the mayors of four northern municipalities.
At the time, clashes occurred between Serbian protesters and security forces, including members of the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission.
While the economic measures are being lifted, there is no official clarification yet regarding the political measures, including meetings between EU officials and Kosovo’s executive authorities. EU officials emphasized that agreements are in place for these political aspects and that they will be implemented “spontaneously” after the new Kosovo Assembly is constituted and a new government is formed following the December 28 early parliamentary elections.
