We underline the importance of transparent, credible and inclusive elections. We call on all relevant Kosovo institutions to act in accordance with international standards, free from political pressure and to respect the decisions of the Central Election Commissionand the judiciary. We encourage the citizens of Kosovo to exercise their right to vote while respecting all measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EU has sent an Elections Expert Mission (EEM) to Kosovo covering the entire process of preparation of elections, voting and counting, including the appeals phase. The EEM will prepare a report on the elections including recommendations on how to further improve and strengthen the electoral process.

Furthermore, we, diplomats from the EU Office/EUSR and representations of the EU Member States, together with other international colleagues, will be following closely the electoral process on Election Day by visiting polling stations. We also welcome and support the efforts of Kosovo civil society organizations to observe the election campaign and the Election Day process.

We firmly stand byour enduring strong partnership with Kosovo. We stand ready to engage with the elected members of the Assembly. We trust that a President will be elected swiftly by the new Assembly and a new government will be formed, in a timely manner, in order to promote further reforms and development, fight corruption, strengthen the rule of law and  take forward the European future of Kosovoincluding the continuation of the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

We look forward to discussing the implementation of the recommendations of the successive European Union Election Observation Missions' reports with the Kosovo authorities after the elections. We invite all parties to step up their work after the elections in order to implement such recommendations.