President Vjosa Osmani, in a meeting with the rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Riho Terras, stressed that the continuation of the EU measures against Kosovo remains inexplicable, unjust and unreasonable. It is also said that in the meeting, Osmani asked Terras that Kosovo's application for EU membership be processed as soon as possible and that membership be based on merit.
The Presidency's statement notes that Osmani said that the local elections were held in a completely free, calm and democratic manner and that the transfer of power took place peacefully.
"President Osmani emphasized that, despite constructive cooperation, the continuation of EU measures against Kosovo remains inexplicable, unjust and unreasonable. In this context, President Osmani requested Mr. Terra's support for the swift lifting of these measures, recalling that they harm citizens and undermine trust in the integration process, while Kosovo has met every request presented by European partners," the statement said.
According to Osmani, lifting the measures would be a strong signal to citizens and an encouraging message for the continuation of reforms.
"Furthermore, President Osmani stressed the need for Kosovo's application for EU membership to be processed as soon as possible and for membership to be based on merit. During the meeting, the President presented a series of data from international institutions that position Kosovo at the top of performance in many key areas," the statement said.
The European Union on Monday expressed its willingness to commit to lifting measures against Kosovo once a new government is formed, following the December 28 elections.
In a response to KOĞA, an EU spokesperson said that the Commission expects Kosovo to return to the trajectory of necessary reforms and advance in the process of normalizing relations with Serbia - two essential conditions for progress towards the EU.
“The Commission has taken the first steps to gradually lift the measures in force in May 2025. As stated earlier, we intend to further lift these measures. We welcome the smooth handover of local administration in the 4 northern municipalities and expect the new mayors to represent the interests of all citizens... The EU stands ready to work with the Kosovo authorities once they are elected and to continue supporting Kosovo on its path towards the EU. We expect Kosovo to get back on track with the necessary EU-related reforms, for the benefit of its population and by making progress in the normalisation of relations with Serbia,” the response states.