Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani expressed strong dissatisfaction with the European Union’s approach to Kosovo, labelling it as disappointing, unfair and un-European.

Speaking during the EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels on December 18, Osmani criticised the EU for maintaining sanctions against Kosovo and accused certain member states of discriminatory practices.

So-called punitive measures were imposed on Pristina in June 2023, as tensions escalated in Serb majority areas of northern Kosovo. While the measures are temporary, they are yet to be lifted. 

“I am absolutely disappointed with the treatment Kosovo is receiving from some EU member states,” Osmani said. “There is no progress in lifting the measures against Kosovo; they are still in place.”

Osmani argued that the punitive measures imposed on Kosovo fail to reflect European principles. “What is European about punishing 1.7mn citizens of Kosovo, a country that is among the most pro-European in the world?” she asked. She added in a Facebook page that the measures are “unfair and un-European”. 

Despite applying for EU membership in December 2022 and fulfilling the required conditions, Kosovo’s application remains unreviewed. The new country’s application is complicated by the fact that five EU members have not recognised it as an independent state since its unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia back in 2008. 

Osmani highlighted the disparity in treatment, noting that Kosovo remains the only country in the region without candidate status despite implementing extensive reforms and fully aligning its foreign policy with the EU.

Osmani congratulated Albania and Montenegro on their progress toward EU membership but criticised what she called the bloc’s leniency towards Serbia.

“The more a country aligns itself with Russia, Iran, and China, the more it advances towards the EU, while Kosovo, which is 100% aligned with the EU, sees no progress. This is not a merit-based process,” she said.

The president also addressed recent attacks on Kosovo’s critical infrastructure, which she attributed to Serbian gangs. She compared these actions to Russia’s tactics in Ukraine, accusing Serbia of threatening stability in the Balkans.

“Serbia’s continued aggression against Kosovo violates international law and EU principles of good neighbourliness. Last month, Serbian gangs attacked critical infrastructure in Kosovo, aiming to leave 70% of our population without water, energy, and heating during winter. Meanwhile, Serbia faces no accountability and continues to make progress in EU accession talks,” Osmani said.

She concluded by reaffirming Kosovo’s commitment to the European path and called for a fair and merit-based enlargement process that upholds EU values.