Kosovo is gearing up for a crucial parliamentary election on Sunday, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje party expected to be a front-runner. The election, the ninth since the end of the 1998-1999 war with Serbia, will determine who will lead Kosovo in stalled normalisation talks with Serbia, facilitated by the EU.
The election comes at a crucial time as Kosovo faces economic challenges and tensions with Serbia. Kurti’s party is expected to win, but not with a majority, potentially leading to the need for a coalition government. Other major contenders, such as the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo, have made big promises to improve the country’s economy and well-being.
Kosovo, one of the poorest countries in Europe, has been hit hard by a freeze on U.S. funding and is in need of foreign investment. The EU has set conditions for restoring funding linked to de-escalating tensions with Serbia. The future government will play a key role in determining the country’s path towards EU integration and relations with Serbia.
The election has not given much attention to the EU-facilitated normalisation talks with Serbia, despite their importance in moving both countries towards closer integration with the EU. Both the EU and the U.S. have urged the new government to engage constructively in the dialogue with Serbia. International observers will monitor the election to ensure transparency and fairness.
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