The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in Kosovo, Nathalie Loiseau, a Member of the European Parliament, has officially launched the mission to monitor the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9, 2025.
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| Nathalie Loiseau in the center while speaking about the Kosovo elections as the chief Observer of the european Union Elections Observation Mission in Kosovo |
The mission’s core team of nine analysts began their work earlier this month, arriving in Pristina on January 8, as reported by Oculus News.
"The 2025 parliamentary elections are a significant moment for Kosovo, showcasing the plurality of Kosovo's political landscape. The presence of the EU Election Observation Mission aims to contribute to an inclusive, credible, and transparent electoral process, allowing Kosovo’s voters to express their choices freely. This also underscores the EU’s continued support for Kosovo in strengthening democratic governance. We are deploying nine teams of long-term observers, working in pairs—male and female—across Kosovo. They will assess the campaign and preparations for the elections in all municipalities. Long-term observers play a crucial role in ensuring a comprehensive and thorough assessment of the electoral process, in line with the EU’s standard election observation methodology," said Loiseau.
The long-term observers come from 18 countries, including EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland. They are independent and impartial observers who will meet with local election officials, candidates, political party representatives, civil society organizations, and local media.
Shortly before election day, the mission will be reinforced with 36 short-term observers, a delegation of Members of the European Parliament, and up to 36 diplomats from EU Member States, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland accredited in Kosovo. This will ensure extensive coverage of the elections across Kosovo. The EU EOM will remain in Kosovo until the completion of the electoral process.
The EU EOM operates under a strict code of conduct that requires neutrality and non-interference.
The mission functions under a distinct and independent mandate from the European Commission and other EU institutions in Kosovo. It operates in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.
The long-term observers are set to deploy on the ground on Sunday, January 19, at 10:00 AM from the Mission's headquarters in Pristina.