European Commission lifts all financial measures against Kosovo

(Patria) - The European Commission (EC) has confirmed that all previously imposed financial measures against Kosovo have been lifted.

EC representative Jiri Plecity stated that all financial aid previously covered by the measures has been released, and that full re-engagement with Kosovo's institutions is planned.

- I can confirm that the European Commission has released all financial aid that was previously under measures.

We also plan to fully re-engage with our partners in Kosovo to get it back on the right track with its EU agenda - Plecity said at the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) during a debate on the annual report on Kosovo.

The European Union imposed restrictive measures on Kosovo in 2023 following violence in the north of the country. The punitive measures included the suspension of funding and the cessation of all bilateral meetings between European officials and representatives of the Kosovo government.

The measures were a response to violent incidents in northern Kosovo when Albanian mayors entered municipal buildings. During the incidents, clashes occurred between Serbian demonstrators and security forces, including international troops.

According to European Commission data, around half a billion euros were blocked for Kosovo.

Confirmation of the lifting of financial measures came during the debate on the annual report for Kosovo at AFET. Members of the European Parliament expressed regret over what was described as a lost year for Kosovo due to the political stalemate that characterized the entire year of 2025.

The European Parliament's rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, emphasized that the country was in complete political paralysis, which also had consequences for the reform process.

- It is regrettable that uncertainty and political stalemate have significantly slowed down the necessary reforms that the European Union expects from candidate countries, and which are also key for the country itself. It is clear that there are areas where Kosovo has made significant progress over the past year - Terras assessed.

Representatives of European institutions also attended the debates, welcoming the Kosovo Government's agreement to offer temporary residence permits and recognize identity cards for members of the Serbian community who do not have Kosovo documents, in accordance with the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles, which have been fully applied since Sunday, March 15.

The representative of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Anne Kempainen, believes that this agreement represents an important step forward.

- Last weekend in Pristina, thanks to EU mediation, a way forward was found for the implementation of the Law on Foreigners in Kosovo.

We welcome the steps Kosovo has taken regarding the preservation of the rule of law. This will enable Serbs in Kosovo to continue to live, study, and work in accordance with Kosovo's laws - Kempainen added.

European representatives assessed that this agreement once again confirms that dialogue yields results. It was emphasized that the normalization of relations remains a key condition for both Kosovo and Serbia on their path to the EU, reports RSE.