The acting government of Kosovo has welcomed the European Union’s announcement to lift sanctions on the country, describing the move as a positive step, albeit delayed. The government emphasized that in addition to the release of EU funds, further steps are needed this year to advance Kosovo’s European integration, including achieving candidate country status.
The EU confirmed on Thursday that it has started removing sanctions against Kosovo, allowing the release of over €400 million in financial support for the country. These sanctions were originally imposed in 2023 in response to tensions in northern Kosovo, which has a Serb majority, following the assumption of office by Albanian mayors in four municipalities in the region.
Klisman Kadiu, adviser to the acting Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Besnik Bislimi, said that the release of funds at the start of 2026 is a positive development, though delayed. He stressed that further steps by the EU are necessary to accelerate Kosovo’s integration processes.
“We welcome the EU’s decision to release funds, despite it being delayed. We expect additional important steps toward European integration, including the granting of candidate status,” Kadiu stated.
Anitta Hipper, spokesperson for the European Commission, noted that in addition to €216 million released in December 2025, an additional €205 million is expected to be disbursed early this year. This decision follows the smooth transfer of local governance in northern Kosovo after the recent local elections.
The funds will support multiple projects, including four projects worth €34.6 million, with remaining IPA III funds (€181 million) scheduled for implementation later in 2026.
Arbëreshë Loxha, researcher at the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS), highlighted the positive impact of lifting sanctions on Kosovo’s international image and stressed the need to mitigate any remaining economic or reputational effects.
“The removal of EU sanctions is a welcome step, opening the way for funds that Kosovo risked losing. This is important for both the economy and Kosovo’s international image,” Loxha said.
The European Commission confirmed that the full lifting of sanctions is expected in the coming weeks, which will free over €400 million, including funds partially released in December 2025. Institutions are working in parallel to program and contract the projects to be financed.
