The European Union (EU) is expected to fully lift all restrictive measures against Kosovo as early as next week, according to unofficial sources in Brussels. Reports indicate that Monday could serve as an indicative date for the final decision.
Sources reveal that all internal decision-making procedures within the European Commission have been completed. The final step now rests with a meeting of representatives from EU member states, responsible for regional affairs, where the removal of measures is expected to be approved.
The measures were initially imposed in 2023. In 2024, then EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell recommended lifting the sanctions, but formal approval took over 18 months to finalize. During this period, more than €400 million in EU financial assistance to Kosovo was blocked. By the end of 2025, half of these restrictions were lifted, and the remaining restrictions are now poised to be removed.
The restrictive measures also included the suspension of bilateral meetings between EU officials and representatives of the Kosovo government, except for gatherings of a regional nature.
Kosovo remains a country not yet visited by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who plans to travel to the country later this month. Officials suggest that her visit could be used to officially communicate the news of the full lifting of measures.
The anticipated decision marks a significant step in the EU-Kosovo relationship, potentially unlocking pending financial aid and reinforcing Kosovo’s path toward European integration.
