On 12 June 2026, the European Parliament published two amendments to the 2025 Commission report on Kosovo, tabled by the European Sovereign Nations (ESN) Group. The amendments introduce a more critical tone, focusing on implementation gaps and demanding concrete timelines for EU-funded projects, particularly in transport connectivity. The changes directly impact EU-Kosovo relations and the allocation of EU funds under the Reform and Growth Facility.
The amendments, submitted by Stanislav Stoyanov on behalf of the ESN Group, target the report by Riho Terras (A10-0166/2026). Amendment 1 makes a minor textual change to paragraph 52, signaling intent to add critical language on economic performance. Amendment 2 inserts a new paragraph 63a that criticizes the implementation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) in the Western Balkans, noting that "implementation gaps" limit "real gains for the EU." It calls on Kosovo to propose "concrete timelines and monitoring" for TEN-T implementation, linking this to the EU's Reform and Growth Facility.
Policy orientations and trade-offs
The ESN amendments shift the focus from general preparedness to specific implementation gaps and stricter conditionality. This represents a trade-off between maintaining a supportive tone for Kosovo's EU path and demanding more accountability for EU funds. The amendments imply that current EU funding is not delivering value and that Kosovo must be held to a higher standard, potentially slowing integration if benchmarks are not met.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU taxpayers: Positive impact if stricter accountability ensures better value for money from EU-funded projects.
- Kosovo government: Negative impact, as the amendments impose additional conditionality and scrutiny, potentially delaying access to EU funds.
- EU institutions (Commission, Council): Moderate impact, as the amendments pressure them to adopt a more rigorous monitoring framework for Kosovo.
- Western Balkan transport sector: Moderate impact, as delays in TEN-T implementation could affect infrastructure development and regional connectivity.
Institutional follow-up
The amendments will be considered by the European Parliament in plenary. The Council will then examine the final report, and trilogue negotiations may follow if the Council adopts a different position. The next step is the plenary vote on the report, expected later in 2026.