The European Union has described the successful conduct of local elections in Kosovo as an important step toward the potential lifting of the restrictive measures imposed on the country since 2023.
Referring to the recent visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Kosovo, an EU spokesperson said that she was encouraged by the peaceful, competitive, and inclusive first round of local elections, which included participation from all communities.
“This was an important signal of de-escalation in the north, which will be taken into account in the context of a possible further lifting of measures,” the EU spokesperson confirmed in a written statement to RTK.
During her visit to Prishtina last week, von der Leyen held constructive discussions with both President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, emphasizing the EU’s continued support for democratic stability and inclusive governance in Kosovo.
According to the same source, the EU expects the second round of local elections to be conducted in the same peaceful and transparent manner, ensuring a smooth transition of local governance.
