The European Union Office in Kosovo announced that EU Ambassador Aivo Orav met with the four newly elected mayors of northern Kosovo municipalities. The meeting took place in Zvečan, where Orav welcomed the peaceful handover of local government authority in line with Kosovo law.
“He [Orav] reiterated the need for constructive engagement between central and local authorities and the EU’s support for the realization of minority community rights under Kosovo’s Constitution,” the EU Office stated.
New Mayors in Northern Municipalities
On 5 December 2025, the newly elected mayors were sworn in for the municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok, North Mitrovica, and Leposaviq:
- Milan Radojević – North Mitrovica, succeeding Erden Atiq
- Zoran Todiq – Leposaviq, succeeding Lulzim Hetemi
- Dragisha Milović – Zvecan, succeeding Ilir Peci
- Miloš Perović – Zubin Potok, succeeding Izmir Zeqiri
Previous EU Statements on Kosovo
On 4 November 2025, Orav had presented the 2025 Country Report to acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, noting that the EU expects the continuation of lifting measures against Kosovo following the transfer of local governance in the north.
He emphasized that the measures were initially imposed due to tensions in northern Kosovo and stated:
“It is now logical to bring this story to an end. We hope for regular local government transitions, following the certification of all 35 municipal mayors by the CEC.”
Orav stressed the importance of overcoming escalations and acting in accordance with agreed procedures in Brussels.
EU Measures Against Kosovo
Among the measures imposed by the EU are:
- Suspension of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) bodies
- Exclusion from high-level events and suspension of bilateral visits, except those addressing the northern Kosovo crisis
- Suspension of pre-accession funds (IPA 2024)
A GAP Institute report (June 2025) concluded that EU measures since June 2023 have cost Kosovo €7.1 million, affecting projects across various sectors. Overall, delayed or suspended projects have resulted in a financial and developmental impact of approximately €613.4 million, with the most affected sectors being:
- Environment: €350.7 million
- Energy: €114.4 million
- Digitalization: €57 million
- Culture: €15 million
The EU’s Josep Borrell had submitted a report in June 2024 to EU member states evaluating whether the measures, initially imposed due to northern tensions in May–June 2023, should be lifted.
