President Vjosa Osmani received today a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), emphasizing that Kosovo remains committed to joining the Council of Europe. To this end, Kosovo will continue to strengthen the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

Osmani expressed her gratitude for the support provided by PACE to Kosovo’s institutions and welcomed the engagement of this mission, which, for the first time, will monitor elections in Kosovo.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the elections on February 9 represent the first regular elections to be held in accordance with the new General Elections Law. President Osmani regarded this moment as a significant step in advancing democratic processes in the country.

She further emphasized the need to focus on the representation of women at all stages of the electoral process, as well as on respecting the rights of persons with disabilities by ensuring full and equal access to polling stations.

Kosovo applied for membership in the Council of Europe in 2022. Although it was anticipated that this application would be included in the agenda of the Committee of Ministers’ meeting on May 16, 2024, this did not occur. Following the adoption of the recommendation for Kosovo’s membership in PACE, several states have conditioned Kosovo’s accession on the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, should it wish to become a member of the Strasbourg-based organization.

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