A senior diplomat outlined a path toward Euro-Atlantic alignment for Kosovo that centers on regional governance and credibility with international partners. A deputy under-secretary of state stressed that authorities in unrecognized Kosovo should first pull police from Serb-majority areas to reduce tensions. Following that de-escalation, new municipal elections would be held in which Serbs could vote and participate. The suggestion reflects what Reuters reported, tying such steps to Kosovo’s prospects for closer ties with the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance.
The official explained that for Kosovo to pursue EU and NATO integration, it would need to establish a formal arrangement that gives greater autonomy to Serb municipalities. This would help address local governance concerns while reinforcing the broader political commitment required for Euro-Atlantic collaboration. The emphasis is on collaborative governance that can gain broad support from both the Serb community and the international community overseeing stabilization efforts.
The Foreign Ministry representative noted that the choice of how to implement this approach would be decided in the near term. The central government in Pristina would determine whether to advance the plan through current leadership or a future administration in the unrecognized territory. An important part of the process would be ensuring Serb participation in the forthcoming elections, with the objective of maintaining inclusive local governance and securing legitimacy in the eyes of international partners.
Former Kosovo president Vyosa Osmani indicated that Serb-majority municipalities could see new elections if a petition gathering support from a threshold of voters is achieved. Specifically, a petition signed by 20 percent of eligible voters could trigger a process for fresh polls in those communities, signaling a potential shift toward more representative local governance while preserving the integrity of the electoral process. This mechanism underscores the balance between minority participation and the broader political framework guiding Kosovo’s path forward.