The European Union has confirmed it will not send a formal international observation mission to monitor Kosovo’s snap parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. Unlike in previous electoral cycles, the process will proceed without a dedicated EU-led observation team.
The Office of the Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, clarified the situation following concerns that the invitation sent to Brussels had been ignored. In an official statement, the President's Office explained that the EU cited the limited timeframe as the primary reason for the decision.
"The Office of the President received an official response from the European Union, in which it is emphasized that, due to the short time until the holding of the new parliamentary elections, it is not possible to send an Election Observation Mission or an Election Expert Mission," the statement read.
Despite the absence of a formal mission, the EU has indicated it is coordinating alternative monitoring efforts. This includes maintaining an international presence on election day through the EU Office in Kosovo, representatives from EU member states, and other international partners already present in the country.
The President's Office rejected claims that the EU had ignored the invitation, calling such characterizations inaccurate. "The Republic of Kosovo has a full interest in ensuring that the June 7 process is conducted with order, transparency, and in accordance with democratic standards," the statement concluded.
