The delay in EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos’ visit to Kosovo amid ongoing political developments is raising concerns about the country’s integration process. Former diplomats warn that the lack of political stability and limited international engagement could have long-term impacts on Kosovo’s foreign policy.

Meanwhile, the PDK accuses the Vetëvendosje Movement of sending a negative signal to international partners due to the lack of political dialogue and the blocking of institutions. However, the ruling party emphasizes that Kosovo will remain committed to European integration processes despite the political crisis surrounding the failure to elect a president.

Former diplomat Blerim Canaj told KosovaPress that the failure to elect a president and the move toward new elections should be handled responsibly, as even a short period without full diplomatic engagement could affect integration processes and relations with international partners.

“We are seeing political changes happening at a dizzying speed, and not being present at the tables as the government of Kosovo and as a decision-making political structure is a loss. In foreign policy, honestly, one year can cost up to five years later. We are noticing the gaps and shortcomings we have had in foreign policy over these years and how they are now affecting us. Absolutely, there are significant consequences, which may vary depending on developments in Europe and the world… For now, it is unclear what our objectives are. This is an extremely serious situation that simply needs to be accounted to the politicians for political irresponsibility,” he said.

Meanwhile, PDK MP Ariana Musliu assesses that the current political situation sends negative signals to international partners. She stresses that the blocking of institutions and the lack of political dialogue directly affect the trust allies have in Kosovo and in the European integration process.

“The political crisis is not just an internal issue; it is a message Kosovo sends to the world about its state maturity. When institutions remain blocked and dialogue is replaced by stubbornness, the consequences do not stay within our borders, but reflect on the trust international partners have in us. The postponement of Commissioner Marta Kos’ visit is not just a delayed protocol, but a signal that Europe expects stability, responsibility, and institutional seriousness. European integration does not progress on rhetoric, but on democratic functioning and political cooperation. Therefore, the primary responsibility lies with those in power. Governance is not a privilege to exploit a crisis, but a duty to prevent it. When power forgets this principle, the cost is not paid by one party, but by Kosovo on its path toward Europe,” she said in a written response to KosovaPress.

However, these claims are considered unsustainable by LVV MP Driton Hyseni. He told KosovaPress that the postponement of Commissioner Kos’ visit should not be seen as a conditioning or sanction against Kosovo, but as a message highlighting the need for institutional stability. According to him, Kosovo remains committed to European integration, and the commissioner’s visit was postponed for a more favorable moment.

“Kosovo is fully committed to European integration, and we have no other path. As a country, we have expressed this and made maximum efforts to advance our integration processes. The visit of Commissioner Marta Kos, which was planned for tomorrow, has not been canceled. To be clear, it has been postponed for a more favorable moment according to statements from Brussels. I also consider that, aside from a political or diplomatic message, this postponement conveys a need for us, as state officials, to ensure maximum political stability, maintain strong institutions, and take secure steps toward filling the positions that the Republic of Kosovo needs. On the other hand, it does not represent any kind of conditioning, sanction, or any other interpretation, as we are dealing with a postponement of a visit,” he said.

Kosovo has faced a political crisis throughout last year. The lack of stable institutions was also mentioned in the draft report on Kosovo prepared by the Kosovo rapporteur in the European Parliament, Riho Terras.