In a statement published on Tuesday 11 February, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, welcomed the successful conduct of parliamentary elections in Kosovo held on 9 February - won by the outgoing Prime Minister, Albin Kurti (see EUROPE 13576/12) - while calling on the authorities to step up their efforts in terms of the Rule of law and regional cooperation.
“The overall [electoral] process demonstrated resilience and commitment to democratic principles”, acknowledged Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos. However, they stressed the need to “strengthen the Rule of law and public administration, and to protect freedom of expression”.
The two leaders reiterated that “progress in normalising relations with Serbia is the only way for Kosovo to progress along the European path” and urged Pristina to implement the dialogue agreements “without further delay or preconditions”.
Earlier on Tuesday, the EU Election Observation Mission in Kosovo published its preliminary report, describing the elections as “peaceful and competitive” but marked by “attempts by the ruling party to politicise key institutions”. At a press conference, Marta Temido (S&D, Portuguese) also regretted a “lack of political pluralism within the Serbian community in Kosovo” due to “strong interference from Serbia”.
The final report, expected in two months’ time, will make more detailed recommendations.
To read the declaration: https://aeur.eu/f/fgj
The preliminary report: https://aeur.eu/f/fgk (Original version in French by Justine Manaud - intern)