The European Union (EU) expects the upcoming local elections in Kosovo to be conducted freely and without any external interference, according to an EU spokesperson in Brussels.
The spokesperson reminded that the EU’s previous election observation mission had already identified cases of interference during the February general elections, stressing that such practices must not be repeated.
“We expect all parties to refrain from such actions,” the statement reads.
The EU’s remarks came after Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Serbia of direct interference in the country’s electoral process, describing it as “more severe than Russia’s meddling in Europe.” Kurti also urged the EU to condemn and sanction Serbia for its alleged attempts to influence the outcome of the October 12 local elections.
According to the EU spokesperson, “All citizens must be able to exercise their right to vote freely, without any manipulation or interference from outside.”
In response to an invitation from President Vjosa Osmani, the EU has deployed an electoral expert mission to Kosovo. Members of this mission are already on the ground monitoring and assessing the electoral process, the spokesperson confirmed.
Observers in Prishtina note that Serbia has consistently denied meddling, but analysts argue that Belgrade continues to exert political and media pressure on Kosovo Serbs, aiming to align them with its own political agenda.
Critics say Serbian officials like Petar Petković have refused to accept the political reality since 1999, following the end of the war and Kosovo’s declaration of independence, using rhetoric meant to pressure local Serbs to obey Belgrade’s directives.
The EU’s statement reinforces its position that Kosovo’s electoral integrity is fundamental to the region’s democratic stability and EU integration path.
