The European Union has called on Kosovo's political leaders to swiftly form governing institutions following the country's third parliamentary election in 18 months, warning that repeated political deadlock risks eroding public confidence and missing a window of opportunity in the EU enlargement process. In an op-ed published on 8 July 2026, Eva Palatová, Head of the EU in Kosovo ad Interim, said that while each election was peaceful and well administered, the failure to produce a government after the February 2025 vote and the inability to elect a President after the December 2025 ballot have left Kosovo in institutional stalemate for much of the past year and a half. Turnout in the 7 June 2026 election fell significantly compared to December 2025, Palatová noted, warning that repeated elections without clear outcomes risk creating voter fatigue.
The op-ed comes as Kosovo faces what the EU describes as a favourable momentum in enlargement, with European Council President António Costa having stated during a recent visit to Pristina that enlargement is a geostrategic necessity. Palatová highlighted that Kosovo can access up to €882.6 million in grants and loans through the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans by end-2027, plus an additional €300 million from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance and the Western Balkans Investment Framework for 2026-2027. However, she stressed that these opportunities require functioning institutions capable of implementing reforms. "The European Union can support Kosovo, but it cannot do Kosovo's homework," she wrote, echoing Costa's remarks.
Palatová urged the winning party to reach across the political spectrum to build compromises leading to the constitution of the Assembly, formation of a government, and election of a President, respecting constitutional requirements. She called on all elected parties to engage in good-faith negotiations and to prioritise EU integration as a shared objective. The op-ed follows similar calls by Commissioner Marta Kos and High Representative Kaja Kallas for swift institution-building. "Kosovo has voted. Now it is time to govern," Palatová concluded.