EC report: Kosovo makes no visible progress on its European path due to political crisis

The political crisis and the paralysis of institutions have slowed Kosovo’s progress on its European path, and according to a draft European Commission report, no visible progress has been made in certain areas. The report stresses that the normalization of relations remains a condition for both Kosovo and Serbia to advance towards EU membership, Koha reports.

The European Commission will adopt and publish its annual progress reports, along with the Enlargement Package, on Wednesday, November 4.

Koha has obtained access to drafts of these documents, which show that Kosovo is “among the group of countries that have made no progress or have made largely limited progress”.

The main reason cited for the lack of tangible progress in Kosovo is that the ongoing political crisis and the absence of a functioning parliament have hampered the work of the government, while interest groups have also exerted influence over the judiciary and prosecution.

For the first time this year, the European Commission is also including alignment with EU foreign policy in its report on Kosovo, as it has done with other candidates in the enlargement process, under Chapter 31.

The Commission is expected to welcome Kosovo’s full alignment with the EU in the field of foreign policy in the document.

A significant part of the report on Kosovo is also devoted to the normalization of relations with Serbia and obligations stemming from the dialogue. It notes that political developments in Kosovo and Serbia have prevented adequate progress in implementing the commitments made in the dialogue.

The report reiterates that normalization of relations remains a condition for both sides to advance on their path towards the EU, as well as for economic development. It warns that the lack of progress has consequences.

“Normalization is not merely a requirement on the European path. It is essential for the security, stability and economic development of both societies and the region. The lack of progress comes at an economic cost and carries the risk of both sides falling behind at a time when the enlargement process has gained momentum,” the report states.

No guarantee of EU integration - a real possibility exists

The greatest progress, with almost all conditions fulfilled, has been made by Montenegro. The European Commission believes this will be its final progress report, given expectations that the country will conclude accession negotiations soon.

In addition to the progress reports, the European Commission is expected to adopt and publish a timeline with deadlines for the most advanced countries to achieve their goals in the negotiation process. This will apply to Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine, while North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Georgia and Turkey are lagging considerably behind.

According to the European Commission’s assessment, Serbia, Georgia and Turkey have regressed in certain areas, Koha reported.