Kosovo’s newly formed government submitted the 2026 budget bill to parliament during its first cabinet meeting, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti confirming a total budget of €4 billion.
Speaking after the session, Kurti said €867 million was allocated for local municipalities and highlighted provisions for a 13th salary for public sector workers funded by the state budget. The budget also includes increases for employees with up to 15 years of service.
“Today we are resubmitting the 2026 budget bill to parliament, which was initially approved on October 31 last year. The budget totals €4 billion, with €867 million earmarked for municipalities,” Kurti said.
Finance Minister Hekuran Murati explained that of the €4 billion, €3.64 billion comes from state revenues, with the remainder financed through borrowing and other deficit-funding methods. He added that adjustments may be required due to changes in ministerial portfolios but stressed the urgency of proceeding with parliamentary approval.
“Due to changes in ministries, a budget review will be necessary, but given the urgency, we are submitting it to parliament first, and it will be revised thereafter,” Murati said.
Kurti also indicated that he is prepared to begin discussions with other political parties on the election of the next president once key legislative priorities are completed. Kosovo’s parliament is legally required to elect a president by March 4, one month before the current President Vjosa Osmani’s term ends.
“After the constitution of the parliament and the formation of the government, we are now in the third phase, which includes voting on the 2026 budget and ratifying international agreements. Once these are completed, I am ready to start discussions with other political parties regarding the presidential election,” Kurti said.
The government is aiming to hold a session to vote on the budget and ratify international agreements, which collectively amount to around €1 billion, including accords with the European Union and the World Bank.
Murati emphasized that the cabinet would review ministerial performance in parallel with the budget process to ensure accountability. He refrained from naming potential presidential candidates, noting only that Kurti will engage with political groups on the matter.
The new government was sworn in on February 11 following the formal constitution of parliament. Kurti’s party, Vetëvendosje, won over 51% of the vote in early parliamentary elections on December 28, securing 57 seats in the 120-seat assembly. Kurti’s government received 66 votes in favor, 49 against, with no abstentions.
Kurti has described the new cabinet as having the potential to be the most successful in Kosovo’s modern history.
“The lessons we have learned from the previous term, combined with your professional expertise, make me confident that this cabinet has all the prerequisites to be the most successful government in the history of our Republic, which will soon mark 18 years. I wish you success in fulfilling your duties,” Kurti told ministers.
The prime minister reiterated Kosovo’s commitment to European integration, regional stability, and partnerships with the United States. Senior EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, have congratulated Kurti and emphasized the importance of reforms and leveraging EU funds under the Western Balkans Growth Plan.
President Osmani, who is eligible for a second term, has postponed participation in the Munich Security Conference this month, citing domestic institutional priorities. It remains unclear whether she will seek re-election or secure the necessary two-thirds majority of parliamentary votes (80 of 120 deputies) required to win in the first two rounds of voting. If no candidate achieves 80 votes in the first two rounds, a simple majority of 61 suffices in a third round.
Kurti’s renewed mandate comes amid ongoing domestic and international challenges, including the dialogue with Serbia, strengthening the rule of law, and advancing Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic agenda. Analysts say the success of his government will hinge on building political consensus and implementing promised reforms.