Kos: Institutional blockade slowed Kosovo’s EU-related reforms
Marta Kos presented the 2026 Western Balkans report in Brussels and said Kosovo has intensified its reform programme despite earlier delays.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told journalists in Brussels that Kosovo remains committed to European integration, but an institutional blockade slowed the implementation of EU-related reforms during the 2026 reporting period.
At the presentation of the 2026 report on the Western Balkans, Kos said public backing for Kosovo’s EU membership remains strong and that authorities have recently stepped up efforts to carry out reform measures.
"Kosovo remains committed to its path toward the EU, a process that has strong public support. The institutional blockade affected the implementation of EU-related reforms during the reporting period. However, Kosovo has recently stepped up implementation of its reform programme. The EU welcomes the election of the new president and we hope that the restored institutional stability will allow Kosovo to make further progress," Kos said.
Kos highlighted the link between political stability and reform delivery, noting that the EU views the election of a new president as a positive development that could help unblock stalled initiatives.
The remarks were made in Brussels as part of a wider assessment of the Western Balkans’ progress toward EU accession. Kosovo’s renewed push on reforms was singled out as a necessary step to regain momentum after months of institutional gridlock.
Brussels reiterated that continued progress will depend on sustained implementation of the reform programme and on stable institutions able to carry forward the EU agenda.
Photo: press material from the event
