Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani stated that in her discussions in Brussels today, she observed “positive elements” regarding the full removal of EU sanctions imposed on Kosovo in 2023.
“We are again here as committed partners of the EU, as a state fully aligned with EU foreign and security policy, and as a country that has consistently shown progress and strong commitment to reforms, whether in the rule of law, the economy, or other areas. Unfortunately, these reforms have not yet translated into tangible progress in Kosovo’s European integration, as the process is very complex,” Osmani told the media before the EU–Western Balkans Summit.
She welcomed the partial lifting of sanctions and emphasized the need to work with EU partners to achieve full removal as soon as possible:
“We have positive elements in today’s discussions and I very much hope that the full removal of sanctions will happen as quickly as possible.”
Throughout the day, Osmani met with high-ranking EU officials to discuss both the sanctions and Kosovo’s EU membership application.
Following her meeting with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, Osmani stressed that all conditions set by the EU have now been met, making the complete removal of sanctions necessary. She made the same request during her meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa.
Earlier, Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi noted that the European Commission has decided to lift most of the sanctions on Kosovo, particularly those linked to IPA programs worth €34.6 million.
Osmani also shared on Facebook:
“We welcome the EU’s decision on the partial lifting of sanctions, while we hope and work for their full removal as soon as possible. The Republic of Kosovo has demonstrated constructiveness, cooperation, and full alignment with EU foreign and security policy.”
According to President Osmani, all EU-required conditions have been fulfilled, so there is no reason to delay the removal of remaining measures.
The EU imposed sanctions in summer 2023 in response to tensions in the Serb-majority northern municipalities of Kosovo. While the EU has begun a gradual lifting, Kosovar officials insist that continued sanctions are unjustified. The situation in the north has stabilized, police presence near municipal buildings has been reduced, and peaceful transfer of power in Serb-majority municipalities has been achieved.
