Pristina, May 23, 2025 – We, the undersigned civil society organizations, committed to the protection of democracy and the functioning of the rule of law, are following with deep concern the ongoing failure of Members of the Assembly to constitute the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as the refusal of political party leaders to cooperate and engage in dialogue to find a solution to end this institutional crisis.
The institutional crisis following the February 9, 2025 elections has exceeded all tolerable limits and is damaging not only the Assembly but the functioning of the entire democratic and institutional system of the country. The current government, whose mandate has expired, continues to operate without parliamentary oversight and control—a situation unacceptable for a democratic state.
Meanwhile, the non-functional Assembly is preventing the adoption of important laws and strategic decisions that directly affect the lives of citizens, threatening institutional stability, economic development, and public trust in democratic representation. The current blockade is delaying and jeopardizing the absorption of funds from the EU Recovery Plan, at a time when measures imposed by the EU and the near-total suspension of U.S. funds have significantly reduced financial support to Kosovo.
Current geopolitical developments demand responsibility and swift action from democratic states. The non-functioning of the Assembly of Kosovo is irresponsible and harmful. This stagnation risks undermining the trust of partner countries in our ability to build functional institutions and act as a serious state on the international stage.
We call on the leaders of parliamentary parties to take the responsibility entrusted to them and act immediately to overcome the political crisis. Through dialogue, with a focus on the country’s development and the welfare of citizens, they must reach an agreement to end the blockade. The lack of willingness to cooperate and focus on the common interest is unacceptable and deeply undermines public trust in democratic representation.
Inaction is not an option. Any further delay requires public accountability. Civil society remains ready to contribute to overcoming this crisis and restoring democratic functionality in the country.
Supporting Organizations (listed alphabetically):
Advocacy Training & Resource Center (ATRC)
Association of Independent Electronic Media of Kosovo (AMPEK)
Balkan Green Foundation (BGF)
CEL Kosova
Center for Education and Community Development-Friends
CIPOF Childproof
Community Building Mitrovica (CBM)
Community Development Fund (CDF)
Democracy Plus (D+)
Democracy for Development (D4D)
Dylberizim
Ekovizioni
Kosovar Foundation for Civil Society (KCSF)
Fund for Humanitarian Rights Kosovo
Kosovo Forum for Disability
Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ)
Hyjneshat
Initiative for Progress (INPO)
Skenderaj Civic Initiative
Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI)
GAP Institute
Kosovo Law Institute (KLI)
Pristina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS)
Kosovo Institute for Research and Policy Development (KIPRED)
Institute for Social Policy “Musine Kokalari”
Institute for Development Policy (INDEP)
Sekhmet Institute
Council for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms
Kosovo Advocacy & Development Centre
K-W4W
Leadership Development Association Europe
Movement FOL
New Social Initiative (NSI)
Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo
NGO “ACCESS”
NGO “Vision02”
NGO EC Ma Ndryshe
NGO Fortesa
NGO Mundësia
NGO Politeia
NGO Zana
NGO Pishtarët
Bubble Organization
ÇOHU! Organization
Organization for Improving Education Quality – ORCA
Kosovo Center for Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors (KRCT)
Kosovo Center for Gender Studies (QKSGJ)
Kosovo Center for Security Studies (QKSS)
Kosovo Center for Sustainable Development – QKZHQ
Kosovo Education Center – KEC
Center for Advocacy and Democratic Culture (ACDC)
Center for Equality and Justice
Center for Policy and Advocacy (QPA)
Center for Development of Social Groups – CSGD
QIKA
Kosovo Women’s Network (RrGK)
NGO Network AVONET
Network Qeliza
SHL – Kosovo
Eye of Vision
The Foundation House (former IPKO Foundation)
YMCA Movement