The EU urged the Kosovo government to ensure equal opportunities for all parties to participate in the elections.

The European Union has urged the authorities of Kosovo to ensure equal access for candidates to participate in the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9.

Furthermore, the EU stated that the refusal to certify political parties in Kosovo for political reasons could represent a serious regression from democratic procedures. This statement was released on December 31 on the website of the European External Action Service.

“The EU and its member states emphasized in the conclusions of the European Council on December 17 the positive changes regarding the electoral system of Kosovo based on EU recommendations ahead of the February 9 elections. While Kosovo and its citizens benefit from a stable democracy, the refusal to certify parties based on political considerations rather than legal provisions would be a significant step backward. All eligible candidates must have the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections, in full compliance with the legislation of Kosovo,” the statement reads.

It is noted that the certification process for political parties in Kosovo should be based on legal standards and procedures outlined in the relevant legislation, rather than on political considerations. In this regard, the EU emphasized the need to ensure a transparent and trustworthy electoral process in Kosovo, free from political interference.

“We expect the Central Election Commission, which plays a critically important role in the elections, to implement all relevant mechanisms to ensure an inclusive, trustworthy, and transparent electoral process, allowing voters in Kosovo to clearly express their choice. The responsibility for upholding democratic guarantees extends to all members of the CEC, regardless of their political affiliation. This fundamental issue should not be politicized or used as an element of the electoral campaign,” the EU statement emphasized.

As reported, on December 24, the CEC of Kosovo decided not to certify the main ethnic Serbian party, the "Serbian List" (Srpska Lista), effectively banning it from participating in the parliamentary elections on February 9. The primary reason for this refusal was the party's nationalist stance and its close ties with Serbia.

The parliamentary elections on February 9, 2025, are expected to be a key test for Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, whose party came to power in 2021 with a significant margin.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008 with the support of key Western nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and almost all EU member states. However, the country remains "partially recognized."