EU: Elections in Kosovo pave the way for overcoming political deadlock

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said that democratic and inclusive elections in Kosovo create the opportunity to end more than a year of political deadlock.

According to her, it is now up to political leaders to act constructively to ensure the functioning of institutions.

"Democratic and inclusive elections in Kosovo pave the way for turning the page after more than a year of political deadlock. Political leaders must now engage constructively to ensure the rapid formation of a government," Kallas wrote on the X platform.

Early parliamentary elections in Kosovo were held on June 7, with a turnout of around 35% of the electorate.

Preliminary results, published by the Central Election Commission, put the party of incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the Vetevendosje Movement, in first place - with 42.91% of the vote.

Following it are: the Democratic Party of Kosovo with 21.08%, the Democratic League of Kosovo with 17.60%, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo with 7.17% and the Serbian List with 6.17%.

After declaring victory, Kurti left open the possibility of talks and cooperation with other parties.

Kallas also emphasized that progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and the normalization of relations between the two countries remains essential for Kosovo's advancement on the European path.

Earlier, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos congratulated the leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Kurti, on his victory in the elections, while also emphasizing the need for cooperation between political forces.

"For Kosovo to move forward on its path towards the EU, political forces must now unite and find compromise to build institutional stability," Kos wrote on the X platform.

She added that she looks forward to visiting Kosovo to intensify work on European integration and continued support through the EU Growth Plan.

The June 7 elections were held after the Kosovo Assembly failed to elect a new president - which automatically led to the dissolution of the legislative institution.

They were the third elections in less than a year and a half, following regular elections on February 9, 2025, and another pair of snap elections on December 28.

The first elections failed to produce a government, while the second, although they provided the Vetëvendosje Movement with over 51% of the votes, did not bring an agreement on the election of the president, according to a decision of the Constitutional Court./ REL