The European Union encouraged Kosova’s political parties on Wednesday to respect the Constitutional Court ruling. It also urged them to quickly constitute the Parliament. This statement came hours after MPs failed again to unblock the deadlock.

The EU Office in Kosova told Radio Free Europe that it “monitors developments on the Parliament’s constitution and government formation closely”. Meanwhile, MPs met to continue the constitutive session. Two days earlier, the country’s highest court published a full ruling. It required MPs to form the new Parliament within 30 days, by September 18.

However, the constitution attempt failed. Neither of the two candidates proposed by the winning party Vetëvendosje, Albulena Haxhiu and Donika Gërvalla, received more than 57 votes. They needed at least 61 votes.

In addition, the EU Office stressed that “quick formation of the Parliament and government is essential for Kosovo to advance important reforms across all sectors”. These reforms aim to improve citizens’ quality of life and living standards.

Meanwhile, the Italian Embassy in Prishtina had welcomed Vetëvendosje’s proposal of a new candidate, Gërvalla, after previously proposing only Haxhiu. The embassy said in writing that the move “shows willingness to make progress, which will need confirmation in the coming days”. In addition, the embassy added, “We hope all political actors will act responsibly to ensure the Parliament constitutes on time, in line with the Constitutional Court ruling”.

After the session, Vetëvendosje accused major parties PDK, LDK, and AAK of trying to block institution formation. The party argued that Haxhiu’s name was not the main issue. PDK said it will vote only for a Vetëvendosje candidate not part of the previous government. LDK noted that Vetëvendosje knew Haxhiu and Gërvalla lacked enough votes. At the same time, AAK expects Vetëvendosje to propose candidates without support in the next session. The Social Democratic Initiative said it will abstain until a political agreement is reached.

The next session will take place on Friday, August 22.

Kosova held parliamentary elections in February but has not formed new institutions since. This months-long crisis stems from a lack of agreement among parliamentary parties. No party won a majority to govern alone. Vetëvendosje won 48 seats. In addition, PDK secured 24. LDK gained 20. Meanwhile, the Serb List took 9. The AAK–Social Democratic Initiative coalition won 8.

/a.p./