TIRANA, March 17 – The government of Kosova welcomed the European Union’s decision to lift all sanctions on the country. Officials called it a step toward European integration.

Kosovan first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Glauk Konjufca, praised the European Commission’s announcement. He emphasized the need to advance on the path to EU membership. He said lifting the restrictions and releasing suspended financial aid opens a new phase for constructive engagement and tangible progress.

The European Commission confirmed it removed all sanctions imposed in June 2023. The measures had blocked funding and stopped bilateral meetings between EU officials and Kosova government representatives. Authorities introduced the sanctions after tensions in far northern Kosova, where Albanian mayors assumed office in four Serb-majority municipalities.

During the European Parliament debate on the Kosova report, Commission representative Jiri Plecity confirmed the removal of financial restrictions. Kosova officials expressed hope that the EU’s decision will boost cooperation, support stability, and accelerate reforms needed for accession.

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