Kosovo remains stuck in an institutional deadlock even one week after the certification of the results of the June 7 elections. So far, no date has been set for the constitutive session of the Assembly, the first formal step toward establishing the new institutions, while the August 7 deadline is drawing closer and political pressure is increasing.
Session still without a date, criticism over lack of movement
Beyond the two meetings that Vetëvendosje leader Albin Kurti has held with leaders of the Democratic Party and the Democratic League as part of political consultations, there appear to have been no other concrete steps to speed up the procedures.
This delay is also being viewed critically by observers of institutional developments, who see the behavior of the winning party as a sign of a lack of seriousness in forming the institutions.
Constitutional deadline expires on August 7
The elected deputies have until August 7 to constitute the Assembly. Only after this step does the clock begin to run for the formation of the government and the election of the president.
According to assessments made public in the debate, failure to act within these constitutional deadlines could push the country once again toward elections, further deepening the political uncertainty.
Incomplete institutions are producing political and financial costs
For more than a year and a half, Kosovo has not had institutions with full functionality. The consequences, according to assessments made public, are not limited only to domestic politics, but also affect the country’s external relations.
In this climate of blockage, the lack of progress in recognition and membership in international mechanisms has been cited. Likewise, the lack of a functional Assembly has left Kosovo unable to benefit from more than 40 million euros from the growth plan with the European Union.
The deadlock is also affecting agencies and independent institutions
Beyond the high political level, the blockage risks affecting the functioning of independent institutions and agencies that depend on institutional decision-making for their boards or leadership.
This means the crisis does not remain only a matter of procedures in the Assembly, but may produce chain consequences in the administration of various state sectors.
The country comes after snap elections
Kosovo held snap elections in June after deputies failed to elect the new president within the constitutional deadline.
For precisely this reason, the current delays are being viewed with heightened concern: the country has just emerged from an institutional failure and risks being drawn back into the same cycle.
So far, what is missing is not only the date of the session, but also a convincing signal that the political class has understood the cost of this institutional vacuum.
If the constitutional deadlines expire without an agreement and without action, Kosovo could once again face the scenario that led it to snap elections.