The European Union has lifted all punitive measures imposed on Kosovo in June 2023, the European Commission has announced.
During a debate on the Kosovo Report in the European Parliament, Jiri Plecity, a representative of the European Commission, confirmed the removal of the financial measures.
“I can confirm that the European Commission has released all financial assistance that was previously under measures, and we are also planning to fully re-engage with our counterparts in Kosovo in order to bring Kosovo back on track with its EU agenda,” he said.
During the discussion in the European Parliament, regret was expressed over the year lost in Kosovo due to the political deadlock the country faced throughout 2025.
The European Parliament’s rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, said that the political paralysis had consequences for the reform process as well.
“It is regrettable that uncertainty and political deadlock have significantly slowed down the necessary reforms expected by the European Union from applicants, which are also clearly vital for the country itself. There are clearly areas in which Kosovo has made significant regression over the past year,” Terras said.
The EU imposed punitive measures on Kosovo in 2023. These measures included the suspension of funding and bilateral meetings between European officials and representatives of the Government of Kosovo.
The measures were introduced in response to tensions in northern Kosovo, a region predominantly inhabited by Serbs, after ethnic Albanian mayors took office in four northern municipalities. At the time, clashes also occurred between Serbian protesters and security forces, including members of KFOR.
Meanwhile, the European Union also referred to the agreement on the implementation of the Law on Foreigners.
“Last weekend in Pristina, thanks to EU facilitation, a way forward was found for the implementation of the Law on Foreigners in Kosovo. We welcome the steps taken by Kosovo regarding the preservation of the rule of law. This will enable Kosovo Serbs to continue to live, study and work in Kosovo legally, in accordance with Kosovo law,” said Anne Kempainen from the European External Action Service.
According to European representatives, this agreement is further proof that dialogue delivers results.
On March 14, the Government of Kosovo announced that it will provide temporary residence permits and recognize ID documents of members of the Serbian community who are not equipped with Kosovo documents, as foreseen by the Law on Foreigners and the law on vehicles, which began to be implemented on March 15.
The laws on foreigners and vehicles began partial implementation on January 15, initially through an information campaign on procedures and rules, while from March 15 they have fully entered into force.
The law requires all residents who do not have Kosovo documents to obtain residence permits, while vehicles with foreign license plates will not be allowed to circulate in Kosovo for more than three months, or only with authorization.
The implementation of the decision will not affect Kosovo Serbs for a 12-month period.
These facilitative measures have been welcomed by the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Serbia.
