Kosovo’s caretaker government is awaiting further steps from the European Union regarding the full removal of punitive measures, while initial positive developments have already begun. The EU has started to gradually lift some of the measures, while warning that further steps will depend on a sustained de-escalation of the situation in the country’s north.

As part of this gradual removal, the Stabilization and Association Agreement subcommittee meetings are expected to resume, along with the reinstatement of technical assistance projects through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, covering sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

During a visit to Kosovo on May 21, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, confirmed the start of this process, while European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told KosovaPress that future decisions will depend on real progress on the ground.

Klisman Kadiu, advisor to acting Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, welcomed the move as a positive development but emphasized that the measures should be fully lifted, as they were unfairly imposed in 2023 following an escalation of tensions in the north.

Meanwhile, European affairs expert and former diplomat Alma Lama noted that most EU member states support the removal of the measures, but stressed that strong lobbying from Kosovo is still needed, as the current political crisis could negatively impact the process.