Speakers

• Donika Emini, Research Fellow, Centre for Southeast European Studies, University of Graz, and Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG)
• Miodrag Milićević, Executive Director at NGO AKTIV, Mitrovica
• Lulzim Peci, Executive Director, Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED), Pristina

Moderation

• Dr. Johanna Deimel, Independent Analyst Southeast Europe / Western Balkans; Board Member of the Southeast Europe Association, Munich

About

On December 28, 2025, early parliamentary elections will be held in the Republic of Kosovo—a crucial moment for a young democracy facing ongoing political paralysis. The new elections follow months of institutional deadlock after the February 2025 parliamentary elections, in which Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje (LVV) party won 42% of the vote, remaining the largest party. But neither the VV nor the opposition parties were able to form a coalition government. In August 2025, the parliament in Pristina finally elected a new speaker on the 58th attempt. However, all efforts to form a government remained unsuccessful. Parliament was thus dissolved, and the transitional government led by Kurti does not have a full mandate.

Not only international stakeholders were increasingly concerned. This impasse has jeopardised public services, delayed significant financial support, including EU Growth Plan funding, and eroded confidence in democratic governance. Relations with international partners have also deteriorated: the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue is on hold, and the US has suspended its strategic dialogue with Kosovo.

Against this backdrop, Kosovo’s early elections are more than a procedural reset: they will test whether Kosovo’s political system can produce a stable government capable of addressing deep-rooted challenges in an increasingly difficult geopolitical environment. In our post-election discussion, together with our renowned experts we will examine the election results, discuss the prospects for a coalition, and the broader implications for Kosovo's democratic resilience and regional stability.