BRUSSELS – High Representative of the European Union Federica Mogherini and European Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn welcomed “peaceful and orderly early legislative elections” in Kosovo on Sunday in a joint statement.
They encouraged new government to be formed as soon as possible, stating that is important so that Kosovo can swiftly resume work on reforms in support of economic and social development as well as rule of law, on the implementation of the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Agreement and on the EU-facilitated Dialogue with Belgrade.
“We expect all political actors to remain committed to these processes, which are key for Kosovo’s future, for progress on its European path, and most importantly for the benefit of the people of Kosovo and of the whole region”, the statement reads.
Campaign marred by intimidation in the Kosovo Serb areas
Mogherini and Hahn reminded that the EU deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) headed by Chief Observer Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, Member of the European Parliament.
“According to the Mission’s preliminary statement issued today, elections were well administered and transparent. The campaign environment was vibrant and competitive in most of Kosovo, but marred by intimidation in the Kosovo Serb areas. All the irregularities identified should be addressed by the authorities”, the statement highlights.
In the coming months, the EU EOM will submit a final report containing recommendations for future electoral processes, and EU expects all actors to engage constructively in this process.