Page 13 - bne IntelliNews Southeastern Europe Outlook 2025

movement in the upcoming general elections in February.
Addressing Vetevendosje’s general council, Kurti expressed confidence in his party’s ability to secure a win, likely in coalition with smaller parties GUXO and Alternativa. GUXO, a centre-right party founded by Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani in 2020, was officially registered in 2022. Alternativa, a liberal political party, has been active since its founding in 2017.
The last parliamentary elections in Kosovo took place in February 2021, following two earlier snap elections within three years. Vetevendosje secured just over 50% of the vote in 2021, marking a significant political milestone for the movement. Kurti aims to build on this success in the forthcoming elections.
The Serb List, the largest political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, has been banned from running in the election, adding to tensions between the Kosovo government and the Serb community.
The three largest opposition parties in Kosovo's parliament are the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK).
These parties have criticised Kurti's government for deteriorating relations with Kosovo's key ally, the United States, and for weakening Western support due to its failure to resolve tensions with Serbia.
The European Union imposed punitive measures on Kosovo in June 2023, following escalating unrest in the predominantly Serb-populated northern region, which are still in effect.
While Kurti’s Vetevednosje promises continuity, opposition parties are presenting their vision of a “rebirth” for Kosovo.
However, political analysts express scepticism regarding the opposition’s ability to challenge Kurti’s dominance.
Relations between Kosovo and Serbia have deteriorated since early 2023, marked by an armed siege by ethnic-Serb militants in September, restrictions on the use of the Serbian dinar in early 2024, and the recent closure of Serbian-run post offices in northern Kosovo.
The likelihood of achieving a legally binding agreement for full normalisation of relations remains low. However, the risk of outright military conflict is considered minimal, given the potential costs to EU funding and accession prospects, as well as the stabilising presence of Nato forces in the region.
EU restrictions on financing new projects and suspensions of high-level meetings remain in effect. The government has taken steps to address EU concerns, such as reducing the police presence near municipal
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