The European Commission has released its annual Progress Report, evaluating Kosovo’s progress on EU integration requirements and underscoring that dialogue with Serbia remains crucial for advancing Kosovo’s European path. It also points to issues surrounding media freedom and  the need for transparent procedures in appointing the Chief State Prosecutor.

The EU report on Kosovo, published on Wednesday, demands authorities intensify commitments to fulfilling the 2023 Agreement on the Path to Normalisation with Serbia as a precondition for the country to advance in its integration path.

“Both Kosovo and Serbia are expected to implement their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation. This includes the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb Majority Municipalities (A/CSM). Kosovo is expected to start the process leading to the establishment of the A/CSM based on the European proposal presented to the Parties on 21 October 2023,” the report said.

It also stated that Serbia must advance its recognition of Kosovo’s institutions.

“Serbia is expected to start delivering on its obligations from the Agreement in parallel by initiating the recognition of Kosovo’s documents, symbols and institutions. The Parties also have an obligation to fully implement all past Dialogue Agreements.”

It is also stated that Kosovo and Serbia “need to make further substantial efforts to avoid actions that undermine stability and rhetoric that is not conducive to dialogue and reconciliation.”

Regarding Judicial System Reforms the report acknowledges progress in judicial transparency, citing improved communication by the Kosovo Judicial Council, KJC and recent appointments within the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council, KPC. 

“The Assembly’s adoption of a new law for the KPC aims to reduce corporatism; however, concerns remain as the law lacks full alignment with European standards and did not undergo consultation with the Venice Commission.”

The European Commission calls for a transparent, merit-based selection process for Kosovo’s Chief State Prosecutor, urging swift action to fortify judicial integrity.

“The KPC must swiftly repeat the process for the selection of the Chief State Prosecutor, respecting the principles of transparency and meritocracy”.

Concerns on media freedom 

The report highlights limited progress in media freedom and governance, noting that the Independent Media Commission, IMC adopted a new regulatory law, though amendments did not fully align with recommendations from EU and other international partners.

“Concerns remain over the independence, powers and financing of the IMC and over the lack of clarity and proportionality of the law. The opposition referred the Law to the Constitutional Court for review.”

Furthermore, the report states that Kosovo’s public broadcaster, RTK, experienced managerial instability, with resignations among leadership citing political interference and editorial challenges. 

“RTK came under wide public criticism for publishing a foreign article targeting two Kosovo news portals. This led to the resignation of the board chairperson and another two board members.”

The European Commission calls for a swift operational overhaul to secure editorial accountability and an independent financing model.

Referring to the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, AJK, the report emphasises that media freedom faced challenges with 72 reported cases of threats and attacks against journalists in 2023, a marked increase from previous years. 

“Many incidents targeted Albanian journalists covering protests in northern Kosovo, underlining the risks associated with political coverage.”

The report also mentions that data regarding the media ownership and financing in Kosovo is insufficient.

A BIRN Kosovo report published in December 2023 highlights that less than 30 percent of media in Kosovo disclosed owners and finances. The database of the MOM (Media Ownership Monitor) website provides information on who the owners are and how the media ownership is registered.