Re-elected in 2021, the government has so far failed to adequately address Kosovo’s long-standing major problems. In addition, intrigues among the old political elite, slow reform pace in the government and little progress toward international recognition as well as EU accession have slowed the country’s transformation.
In spite of the pandemic’s hardships, political conflicts, high unemployment and a very strong inflation, the economic recovery was stronger than expected. In 2021, the GDP increased due to positive consumption, tourism by the Kosovar diaspora, and repatriation of refugees, but declined again in 2022 due to higher import prices for energy and food.
Among the problems that remain critical to resolve are corruption, a non-functioning administration, high levels of air pollution, a deficient education system, the lack of a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, the international community’s waning recognition of Kosovo’s statehood, and deadlock in the EU-led dialogue with Serbia.
