EWB: EP report for Kosovo, Serbia emphasises political crises in both countries

Draft-reports on Kosovo and Serbia were introduced yesterday to members of the European Parliament's Committee for Foreign Affairs (AFET).

European Western Balkans (EWP) reports that documents identify deep political crises, both in Pristina and Belgrade, and urge parties to resume dialogue on normalising relations.

Among other things, the draft report on Serbia says the pace of EU-related reforms in Serbia has slowed significantly, especially in the areas of rule of law and democracy.

Meanwhile, for Riho Terras' annual draft report, the EP rapporteur for Kosovo, notes that 2025 “was a lost year” for him because of the ongoing political crisis.

Terras stressed that “Kosovo was in full political paralysis, which had implications for the reform process”.

It is unfortunate that uncertainty and political blockades have significantly slowed the necessary reforms the European Union expects from applicants, which are also clearly vital for the country itself. There are clearly areas in which Kosovo has made significant regras during the past year”, he noted in the presentation at AFET.

The document also notes that the EU-mediated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia has not been fruitful.

The “Dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, which has started to find a compromise acceptable to the parties, unfortunately, has not yielded the expected results. Dialogue was essentially inactive during 2025. It was also because Kosovo did not have a government with full mandate and competencies, while negotiations in that form do not have the perspective”, it says.

Draft-report notes that the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU member states must do everything to ensure that dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade continues with renewed energy, this medium reports.

Moreover, he stressed the importance of constructive engagement by Kosovo and Serbian authorities to reach a legally binding and comprehensive agreement on normalisation, which “needs to be based on mutual recognition and in line with international law”.

The document also calls on five EU member states that have not recognised Kosovo's independence “moving towards recognition, enabling Kosovo to progress on an equal basis with other candidates”.

It also supports Kosovo's application for membership in the European Union, the Council of Europe and for NATO integration. These goals are valued as evidence of Kosovo's steadfast strategic orientation towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

“The state of democracy and rule of law has deteriorated in Serbia”

In the debate following the draft report's presentation for Serbia, the Euro-deputes noted the country's setback in areas related to rule of law and called on the European Commission to review the country's adopted growth plan funds.

Tonino Picaula, EP Rapporteur for Serbia, stated that despite the fact that Serbia had declared EU membership as its strategic goal, <x0->angensions taken into practice did not produce results”.

He recalled that Serbia decided not to participate in the EU-Western Balkans summit while attending a military parade in Moscow.

Picaula noted that election legislation has serious shortcomings, as well as that it is clear that without structural changes and full implementation of all ODIHR recommendations, the upcoming elections cannot be fair.

Furthermore, he estimated that changes to key judicial laws “represent an unacceptable step back in the accession process and a serious blow to the independence of judiciary”.

Draft-raport, writes EWP, strongly condemns depressing measures and overuse of police force and violence against protesters, as well as arbitrary arrests and systematic harassment of opposition, activists, civil society and journalists.

“Citizens have the right to seek accounts for widespread corruption because they want transparency. They have the right to freedom of expression, true rule of law and democratic reforms... There has been a disturbing and persistent blow to academic freedom and autonomy, seen through financial, administrative and other pressures on the academic community”, Picaula stressed.

He recalled that the European Parliament's role also means monitoring the European Union's budget and funds, including the allocation of funds from the Western Balkans Growth Plan.

“It is questionable how this deadlock and turning Serbia back on the EU path is supplementing payments from the Growth Plan”, Picaula noted.

According to him, the media situation in Serbia “is frightening at multiple levels”.

I strongly condemn the escalation of attacks and intimidation of journalists who turn the country into a dark time... Freedom of expression is under increased pressure, while the REM has not been operating for a long time... Efforts to eliminate other independent media are strengthening... Unfortunately, defamation campaigns and toxic deinformation continue to dominate in Serbia”, Picaula noted.