European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, emphasized that normalizing relations with Serbia is crucial for Kosovo to advance its EU membership process.

Despite applying for EU membership in December 2022, Kosovo has yet to receive candidate country status, as the European Commission has not approved its application.

Currently, Kosovo is governed by a caretaker government, following the parliamentary elections held on February 9, 2025, which have yet to establish a new legislature.

The EU has imposed punitive measures on Kosovo since 2023 due to ongoing tensions in the north, reflecting insufficient efforts by Kosovo leaders to de-escalate the situation.

Kos noted that not all EU member states are in favor of lifting these punitive measures, complicating Kosovo's path to EU integration.

Political dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia has been stalled since September 2023, with only limited discussions occurring at the chief negotiators' level due to crises in northern Kosovo.

An agreement to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia was reached in 2023 under EU mediation, but both sides have faced criticism for failing to implement it amid rising tensions.

Kos stressed the importance of the upcoming Kosovo government fulfilling several unspecified preconditions necessary for initiating the EU membership negotiation process.

Kos has not received any signals from EU member states or the Danish presidency regarding the potential for Kosovo to gain candidate status during this period.

She expressed hope that new EU members would be admitted during the current Commission's mandate, with Montenegro and Albania potentially joining by the end of 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Kos criticized leaders like Milorad Dodik of Bosnia and Herzegovina for actions undermining constitutional order, which hinder the country's EU aspirations.

Kos remarked that the demands of recent Serbian protesters align with the European Commission's expectations concerning rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and electoral reforms.