Kosovo’s government is straining its relations with the European Union and the United States, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said in a report published Thursday, warning that the country is testing the limits of international patience.
The Brussels-based conflict prevention NGO highlighted recent policies by Prime Minister Albin Kurti aimed at centralizing power and exerting strict control over northern Kosovo, home to the Serbian community. According to ICG, these measures prompted EU sanctions in 2023 and a suspension of strategic dialogue by the United States.
“For Prime Minister Kurti and his Vetëvendosje party, policies toward the Serb community are part of a broader state-building project, seeking since 2021 to bring northern municipalities under direct government control,” the report said. ICG cautioned that such an approach could isolate Kosovo internationally, noting the EU has sought to prevent this since the launch of the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue.
To ease tensions, the group urged the EU to focus on concrete dialogue measures, including implementation of existing agreements, border management, recognition of diplomas, and delivery of education and healthcare services for Serbs in Kosovo and Albanians in Serbia.
ICG stressed Kosovo should leverage its EU accession perspective while Brussels should exert pressure to protect minority rights and ensure local autonomy, including the creation of an association of Serb-majority municipalities.
The report also recommended that financial aid and diplomatic support be linked to concrete steps to strengthen democratic institutions and state capacity, including judicial independence, public broadcasting, and independent agencies.
The NGO criticized the Kosovo government for withholding municipal funds, warning this could affect upcoming elections, likely scheduled for 2026.
“Positive prospects for the young state are hard to imagine without EU support,” the report concluded. “Such support will not return until Kosovo works to rebuild trust with Serbia, improve relations with its Serb community, and commit to good governance principles.”