The functioning of Kosovo’s institutions after a prolonged period of political deadlock is a welcome development, but it cannot be considered a success in itself, says Arianit Shehu, executive director of the American Center for Countering Extremism and Terrorism (ACCET).
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In his authored piece, titled “Kosovo needs results, not another chapter of waiting: 10 priorities for President Justina Shiroka-Pula,” Shehu lists 10 issues that, in his view, should guide the new president’s term.
He emphasizes that Justina Shiroka-Pula should use the end of the institutional crisis as an opportunity to consolidate the state, restore the strategic partnership with the United States of America, and accelerate Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic path.
Shehu warns that citizens’ positive expectations could quickly fade if the institutions fail to deliver tangible results in the economy, security, and international integration.
“The functioning of the institutions is not a success in itself, but only a prerequisite for true success: improving citizens’ lives, strengthening the state, and accelerating Euro-Atlantic integration,” he writes.
According to the ACCET executive director, Kosovo continues to lag behind other countries in the region in terms of economic development and integration processes.
Referring to the International Monetary Fund’s forecasts for 2026, Shehu says that Kosovo’s gross domestic product per capita, calculated according to purchasing power, amounts to only around 27 percent of the European Union average.
Although she does not lead the government, the new president can influence the country’s strategic direction through the powers granted by the Constitution and her ability to build political consensus, Shehu assesses.
