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Kosovo Government Formed After Year of Deadlock

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 21:59 GMT by The Straits Times
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PRISTINA, Kosovo - February 19th, 2026 - After a year of crippling political deadlock, Kosovo has a functioning government. The parliament today confirmed Prime Minister Albin Kurti's cabinet, marking what many hope is a turning point for the young Balkan nation. The coalition, forged between Kurti's Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), represents a delicate balance of ideologies and promises a period of potential stability - though significant challenges loom large.

The past year has been marked by failed attempts at coalition building, leaving Kosovo vulnerable to internal strife and hindering its progress on crucial fronts like economic recovery and European integration. The protracted negotiations underscored the deep-seated political divisions that continue to plague the region. The eventual agreement between Vetevendosje and the LDK, while a breakthrough, wasn't without concessions on both sides, setting the stage for potential friction down the line. Kurti, known for his nationalist rhetoric and focus on social justice, will need to moderate his approach to maintain the coalition's cohesion.

The Shadow of Serbia: Normalization Remains Elusive

The most pressing issue facing the new government remains the normalization of relations with Serbia. Despite international mediation efforts, progress has been minimal. The status of the approximately 120,000 Kosovo Serbs living within Kosovo, and the issue of reciprocal rights, continue to be major stumbling blocks. While the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, facilitated by the European Union, has yielded some technical agreements, the core political disagreements remain unresolved.

Experts predict Kurti will adopt a firm stance in future negotiations, demanding full recognition of Kosovo's sovereignty by Serbia as a non-negotiable precondition for any further progress. This approach, while appealing to his base, could further escalate tensions. Serbia, under President Aleksandar Vucic, has consistently refused to recognize Kosovo's independence, viewing it as an autonomous province within its own territory.

Recent reports suggest a growing sense of frustration within the EU over the lack of progress, with some officials hinting at a potential re-evaluation of the dialogue process. The EU's special representative for the dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, is scheduled to visit Pristina next month for talks with the new government. The success of these talks will be crucial in determining whether the normalization process can be revived.

Economic Recovery: A Long Road Ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to Kosovo's already fragile economy. Unemployment remains high, particularly among young people, and foreign investment is limited. The new government has pledged to prioritize economic recovery through investments in infrastructure, education, and renewable energy. A key component of their plan is attracting foreign direct investment, but this will require creating a more stable and predictable business environment.

Furthermore, Kosovo's dependence on remittances from the diaspora - particularly from the large Albanian communities in Western Europe - makes it vulnerable to economic shocks in those countries. Diversifying the economy and fostering domestic entrepreneurship are essential for long-term sustainability. The government is also exploring opportunities for regional economic cooperation, hoping to integrate Kosovo more fully into the Balkan supply chains.

EU Accession: A Challenging Path

Kosovo's ambition to join the European Union faces numerous obstacles. The country still needs to meet a number of stringent criteria, including strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, and improving the protection of minority rights. The implementation of these reforms will require significant political will and a commitment to good governance.

The EU accession process is also contingent on progress in normalizing relations with Serbia. Without a breakthrough in the dialogue, Kosovo's chances of joining the EU remain slim. Furthermore, the rise of Euroscepticism in some EU member states adds another layer of complexity to the process.

The Kurti government will be under intense pressure to deliver tangible results on all these fronts. The coming months will be a critical test of its ability to navigate these challenges and build a brighter future for Kosovo.