The European Union will send a mission to observe the parliamentary elections in Kosovo on February 9, 2025, at the request of the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, the European bloc announced on Friday.

“Responding to the invitation from the president of Kosovo, the high representative Kaja Kallas has decided to send an observation mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9, 2025,” the announcement states.

Nathalie Loiseau, member of the European Parliament, has been appointed head of the monitoring mission, the announcement states.

The EU said its election observation mission in Kosovo will demonstrate the EU’s firm support for Kosovo in its efforts to further strengthen democratic governance.

“The presence of this mission in the field aims to contribute to a comprehensive, reliable and transparent electoral process, which will enable voters in Kosovo to clearly express their choice”, the announcement states.

The European Union has observed all elections in Kosovo since 2013.

These will be the first regular parliamentary elections that will be organized in Kosovo, since the declaration of independence in 2008.

The Central Election Commission in Kosovo (CEC) has announced that 28 political entities have applied for certification to participate in the February 9 parliamentary elections.

Among the 28 political subjects are 20 political parties, five coalitions, two citizen initiatives and one independent candidate.

Among the subjects are Albanian parties, the Serbian community, and other smaller communities in Kosovo.

The CEC must confirm the lists by December 25 at the latest.