Kosovo urges Hungarian support to lift 'unfair' EU punitive measures

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has appealed for Hungary's crucial support in persuading the European Union to lift its punitive measures against her country. Following a meeting with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok in Pristina on Monday, Osmani described the EU restrictions as "unfair" and detrimental to Kosovo's reform agenda, institutional development, and economic stability.

Hungary's influential role in EU enlargement

Osmani emphasized that Budapest's advocacy within the EU is vital, noting Hungary's consistent push for deeper engagement with the Western Balkans and its strong support for accelerating EU enlargement. She argued that Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration benefits not only its citizens but also regional and continental security. Hungary has been a frequent critic of the EU's restrictive approach toward Pristina, arguing that punitive actions undermine long-term stability and the dialogue with Serbia.

Context of the EU measures and conditional easing

The EU imposed several punitive measures in mid-2023, citing Kosovo's failure to adequately de-escalate tensions in Serb-majority northern municipalities after contentious local elections. The restrictions included limiting Pristina's participation in high-level EU meetings and blocking certain funds. While EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced a gradual rollback of measures in May following reduced tensions, several key restrictions remain in place, contingent on further progress in dialogue and governance commitments.

The path forward for Kosovo's EU integration

President Osmani expressed hope for intensified cooperation with Hungary as Kosovo seeks to regain full access to EU mechanisms and advance its candidacy status. The removal of the remaining measures is viewed in Pristina as a necessary step to normalize its relationship with the bloc and accelerate its European path, which remains a central foreign policy objective despite the ongoing diplomatic challenges with Serbia.