The European Union has begun lifting some punitive measures against Kosovo, imposed in 2023, freeing up funds for some blocked projects. The news was announced by Kosovo's acting First Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi, after receiving an official letter from the EU's Director-General for Enlargement, Gert Jan Koopman.
According to the letter published by Bislimi, the EU has released funds for four projects under the IPA programs, worth 34.6 million euros. This decision comes as a result of what the European Commission has assessed as “the proper transfer of local government in the north”, following the local elections held on October 12.
"Based on these developments and in line with the Commission's Communication on Enlargement 2025, I am pleased to inform you that the Commission will further lift some of the EU measures, specifically those related to the EU funds programme and the contracting of priority projects," Koopman's letter states.
Bislimi welcomed this step, reiterating Kosovo's demand for the complete lifting of punitive measures. "We have consistently insisted on the lifting of the measures. There is no longer any reason for some of them to remain in force, especially after the transfer of power to the four municipalities in the north in a legal and peaceful manner," he declared.
However, according to media in Pristina, the European Union is not expected to lift all measures against Kosovo within this year. The European Commission has requested that Kosovo submit projects for the use of IPA funds for the period 2026–2027, which must be approved by the Commission and supported by member states.
On Tuesday, EU ministers discussed the enlargement process in Brussels and adopted relevant conclusions. In the section on Kosovo, the EU's General Affairs Council calls for accelerating reforms and implementing agreements with Serbia in the framework of the normalization process, including the formation of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. On the other hand, Serbia is urged to start recognizing Kosovo's documents and symbols and to stop opposing its membership in international organizations.
