EC confirms: EU has lifted all punitive measures against Kosovo

2026-03-17 12:53:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The European Union has lifted all punitive measures imposed on Kosovo in June 2023, the European Commission announced.

During the debate on the Kosovo report in the European Parliament, Jiri Plecity, a representative of the EC, confirmed the lifting of financial measures.

"I can confirm that the European Commission has released all financial assistance that was previously under measures and we are also planning to fully re-engage with our counterparts in Kosovo in order to put Kosovo back on track on its EU agenda," he said.

During the discussion in the European Parliament, regret was expressed for the lost year in Kosovo due to the political impasse the country faced throughout 2025.

The rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Riho Terras, said that the political paralysis in which Kosovo was located also had consequences for the reform process.

"It is regrettable that uncertainty and political deadlock have significantly slowed down the necessary reforms that the European Union expects from applicants, which are also clearly vital for the country itself. There are clearly areas in which Kosovo has regressed significantly over the past year ," said rapporteur Terras.

The EU imposed punitive measures against Kosovo in 2023. The measures involved the suspension of funding and bilateral meetings between European officials and representatives of the Kosovo government. The measures were imposed in response to tensions in the Serb-majority north of Kosovo, after the Albanian mayors of four northern municipalities took office.

At that time, there were also clashes between Serbian protesters and security forces, including members of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR. Meanwhile, the European Union also mentioned the agreement on the implementation of the Law on Foreigners.

"Last weekend in Pristina, thanks to EU facilitation, a way forward was found for the implementation of the Law on Foreigners in Kosovo. We welcome the steps taken by Kosovo in terms of upholding the rule of law. This will enable Kosovo Serbs to continue to reside, study and work in Kosovo legally, in accordance with Kosovo law ," said Anne Kempainen from the European External Action Service.

According to European representatives, this agreement is further proof that the dialogue brings results. On March 14, the Kosovo Government announced that it will offer temporary residence permits and recognize the identity cards of members of the Serbian community who do not have Kosovo documents as provided for in the Law on Foreigners and Vehicles, which began to be implemented on March 15.

The laws on foreigners and vehicles began to be partially implemented on January 15, initially through an information campaign on the procedures and rules of their implementation, while as of March 15, they have entered into full force.

The law requires all residents without Kosovo documents to obtain a residence permit, while vehicles with foreign license plates will not be able to circulate in Kosovo for longer than three months, or only on the basis of authorization. The entry into force of the decision will not affect Kosovo Serbs for a 12-month period. These facilities have been welcomed by the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom and Serbia. /REL