Kosovo off the Council of Europe agenda, a step backwards warned

Despite statements by the country’s institutions that Kosovo has met all the criteria for membership in the Council of Europe, the country has been left off the agenda of the Committee of Ministers meeting, which was expected to be the final step towards accession this month. This development is not only a diplomatic disappointment, but also clear evidence of a lack of strategic preparedness on the international stage, at a time when Kosovo has neither a functioning Government nor an Assembly.

How did it get here?

Kosovo applied for membership in May 2022. In April 2024, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe voted overwhelmingly in favor of Kosovo – over 80% of deputies supported the application.

However, in the final phase, the Committee of Ministers decided not to include Kosovo at all in the decision-making agenda of May of that year. This decision shows more than just political calculations of the member states, it shows the weakness of Kosovo's institutional lobbying at a time when it was necessary to act with maximum intensity and coordination. This did not happen even in this month of 2025.

What is the situation?

Three months after the extraordinary elections, Kosovo has failed to form an Assembly and a Government. After 15 failed attempts to form one, the country is functioning with incumbent institutions that are limited in capacity and legitimacy. Instead of a coordinated lobbying campaign with international partners, the incumbent institutions have been more of a spectator. Despite repeated warnings that the process could be conditioned by the Association issue, there has been no serious attempt to build a convincing narrative for key allies. Several states, including Germany and Italy, explicitly demanded that Kosovo submit the draft Statute of the Association to the Constitutional Court. This demand did not happen.

Acting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kreshnik Ahmeti criticized the fact that Kosovo remained off the Council of Europe agenda, despite meeting all standards.

Read too Kosovo off the Council of Europe agenda, acting deputy minister Ahmeti criticizes delays

"The application for membership was submitted in May 2022, and since then the procedures have followed the formal course of the organization. In September of that same year, the Legal Department of the Council of Europe gave the clear opinion that the Republic of Kosovo has no legal obstacle to becoming a full member," Ahmeti wrote.

What can happen now?

Instead of gaining a seat in the European institution of human rights and democracy, Kosovo remains outside it with consequences in the strengthening of state subjectivity and admission to international institutions. Non-admission is not just a matter of another deadline, but shows that a pro-active approach to lobbying is needed.

Read too Five months without a functional Parliament and with a government in office, at a crucial moment for the state

Allies demand concrete steps, not just political rhetoric. Kosovo needs functional diplomacy, consolidated institutions, and worthy representation in the international arena. If we fail to manage key diplomatic battles, then we risk being forever left one step behind, even when we seem ready.. /Telegraph/