The chief of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Ambassador Dirk Schuebel, has said institutional blockades in Kosovo during the period covering the 2026 report have affected the slowdown in the pace of reforms.
Schuebel at the media conference with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, has clarified that the period of evaluation includes the time from September 1st 2025 to September 1, 2026, which, according to him, was marked by institutional stalemate, three sets of elections within 16 months, the non-compliance of the Assembly for most of this period, and a government that was largely functioning in office.
He said this situation has brought slow-down of reforms and that this is reflected in the report as well.
However, the ambassador stressed that the situation is currently different, as Kosovo already has a constitutional framework, the Government with full mandate and new president.
EU enlargement is based and will continue to be based on merit. Countries implementing reforms move ahead. Where reforms are stalled, progress is blocked, Schuebel declared.
He added that functional institutions constitute an opportunity for Kosovo to accelerate reforms and compensate for delays, stressing that this opportunity should not be missed.
He also cited the need for respecting the current mandate of Kosovo’s Specialised Chambers, in line with international obligations, judicial independence and rule of law.
Among other issues requiring improvement, Scheebel cited freedom of expression, advancing the legal framework for the Independent Media Commission and RTK, fighting corruption, and adopting an anti-corruption strategy in line with European standards.
Source Layer: Dukeagini