The NATO Parliamentary Assembly approved the recommendation for Kosovo’s status advancement from observer member to associate member today.

The majority of countries voted in favor, with one vote against and 14 other countries abstaining, at the Assembly meeting held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is institutionally separate from NATO but serves as an important link between NATO and the parliaments of member countries.

It consists of 281 delegates from the 32 NATO member countries. In addition to them, delegates from 9 associate member countries, 4 Mediterranean associate countries, and 8 parliamentary observer delegations also participate in its activities.

Associate members can present resolutions and amendments to resolutions. They can also serve as associated special rapporteurs in committees to present their perspectives in NATO-Parliamentary Assembly reports.

However, they do not have the right to vote on reports, resolutions, or the leadership of the Assembly, nor do they contribute to its budget.

Currently, there are nine associate members, including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Assembly of Kosovo has been an observer delegation with two seats for years. Now, with the advancement of its status, the participating delegation from Kosovo can be expanded.

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