Timeline
This country's accession timeline, newest first. Each item links to its primary source. We summarise in our own words and never republish article text.
Data verified as of 7 Aug 2026
- Milestone
First EU–Kosovo Reform and Growth Facility Monitoring Committee
The first EU–Kosovo Reform and Growth Facility Monitoring Committee met in Pristina to oversee the Growth Plan, under which Kosovo can draw up to €882.6M in grants and favourable loans through 2027 against 111 reform steps (rule of law, governance, green and digital transitions). The EU has released €61.8M in pre-financing (7%). A funding/governance milestone — not an accession-negotiation step (Kosovo remains a potential candidate).
- Position
Third parliamentary vote in 17 months as December elections fail to yield a President
Kosovo voted again on 7 June 2026 after the December 2025 elections did not produce the parliamentary majority required to elect a President. The EU Office in Kosovo urged the winning party to build cross-party compromises leading to the constitution of the Assembly, the formation of a government and the election of a President, so EU-related reforms can resume.
- Position
Early parliamentary elections held after year-long political stalemate
Kosovo held early parliamentary elections on 28 December 2025. High Representative Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Kos said that after the political stalemate that followed the February 2025 elections, the EU looks forward to the swift formation of the new Assembly and Government.
- Milestone
Von der Leyen: EU moving forward to lift the measures on Kosovo
Following the EU–Western Balkans Summit, Commission President von der Leyen announced the EU is moving forward to lift the measures on Kosovo introduced in 2023, with €216 million of financial assistance being programmed and €205 million intended for release in early 2026.
- Position
Kosovo 2025 Report: Commission stands ready to prepare an Opinion on the membership application
In its 2025 Enlargement Package the Commission found that Kosovo remained committed to its EU path with high public support, though the delay in forming institutions after the February elections slowed EU-related reforms. It also stated it stands ready to prepare an Opinion on Kosovo's membership application if the Council requests one, and noted first steps to gradually lift the measures in place since 2023.
- Position
EU–Kosovo SAA bodies resume after two-year suspension
Kosovo and the EU held an SAA Sub-committee on Trade, Industry, Customs and Taxation in Pristina — the first Stabilisation and Association meeting since the bodies were suspended in June 2023 in the context of EU measures on Kosovo. Council conclusions of December 2024 had paved the way for resumption in parallel with de-escalation steps in the north.
- Milestone
First parliamentary elections under the revised electoral framework
Kosovo held parliamentary elections under the newly revised framework aligned with EU EOM recommendations. The EU Election Observation Mission rated them peaceful, competitive and inclusive (turnout 46.6%). The Assembly’s subsequent failure to constitute itself left a caretaker government from 23 March 2025, stalling EU-related reforms (EC Kosovo 2025 Report).
- Milestone
Commission approves Kosovo's Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan
The European Commission approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, the key step to allow payments under the EU's €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility upon completion of agreed reform steps. For Kosovo (and Serbia) a specific pre-condition applies: constructive engagement in the normalisation of their relations.
- Milestone
Visa-free travel to the EU begins
Kosovo passport holders can travel visa-free to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180.
- Milestone
Kosovo applies for EU membership
Kosovo formally submitted its application to join the European Union.
- Milestone
Stabilisation and Association Agreement enters into force
The SAA, the first contractual relationship between the EU and Kosovo, entered into force.