The issue of Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe (CoE) has been excluded from the agenda of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, which is holding its two-day meeting in Luxembourg.
The news was confirmed by Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Kreshnik Ahmeti, who described the omission as unfair and politically unjustified.
“Kosovo is not on the agenda, even though all standards and criteria have been met,” Ahmeti stated in an official response.
He emphasized that “unofficial conditions” are being imposed on Kosovo — requirements that are not foreseen in any CoE documentation. According to him, this contradicts past practices of the Council and sends a concerning signal to the entire region, particularly given the recent political and religious meetings between Serbian leaders and President Vladimir Putin.
Context and Broken Precedent
In April 2024, CoE rapporteur Dora Bakoyannis presented a comprehensive report confirming that Kosovo had met all criteria for membership. That report was approved by over 80% of votes in the Parliamentary Assembly.
Ahmeti reminded the public that the Committee of Ministers has never before acted against the opinion of the Parliamentary Assembly, as seen in the past with Monaco and Armenia. Therefore, the current delay in following up on the opinion regarding Kosovo is politically motivated and reflects double standards, he argued.
What Does This Mean for Kosovo?
This decision marks a diplomatic and political setback for Kosovo’s longstanding efforts to integrate into European human rights institutions. The exclusion from the agenda — despite strong support from the Parliamentary Assembly — signals powerful political interference in what should be a criteria-based process.
The Bigger Picture
In light of recent meetings between Serbian officials and Russian President Putin, the Committee’s failure to address Kosovo’s membership may reflect a concession to Eastern geopolitical influence — raising serious questions about the integrity of European enlargement and justice mechanisms.
