April 2025
As part of the “Balkan Hubs” initiative, representatives from participating think tanks undertook a study visit to Kosovo from 25 to 28 March 2025. The visit was organized in the framework of continued cooperation between leading European institutes—DGAP (Germany), Jacques Delors Institute (France), Clingendael Institute (Netherlands), Carnegie Europe, the Open Society Institute – Sofia and the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans—aimed at fostering dialogue and informed policy debate on EU enlargement and regional integration. The visit was made possible by the cooperation with the Pristina-based Democracy for Development think tank (D4D) with funding provided by the Think Tanks for the Future of EU Enlargement Program.
The visit provided an in-depth exploration of political developments, interethnic relations, and the EU-facilitated dialogue process. The program included exchanges with institutional representatives, diplomats, party officials, analysts, and civil society organizations, offering a comprehensive picture of Kosovo’s domestic and regional positioning.
The program began in Prishtina with a discussion hosted at a local venue, bringing together analysts and representatives from key think tanks, including KIPRED, European Peace Institute, GAP Institute, Musine Kokalari Institute, and GLPS.
On 26 March, the delegation engaged with institutions including the Dialogue Expert Group, the U.S. Embassy, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), representatives of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK). Meeting were also held with the EU Delegation in Kosovo and the diplomatic missions of Germany, France and the UK.
On 27 March, the focus shifted to Mitrovica, with visits to both North and South Mitrovica. In the north, meetings were held with civil society organizations including KosSev, Aktiv, ACDC, NSI, LED, and CASA. In the south, the delegation visited the municipal government and CBM. Further engagements included representatives from Srpska Lista, the Ministry of Communities and Returns, and local media. A key meeting took place with Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the government headquarters in Prishtina. The day concluded with a diplomatic roundtable at D4D featuring ambassadors from several EU member states, and a closing meeting with guests from the economic, diplomatic, and advisory sectors.
On 28 March, the visit wrapped up with morning meetings with representatives of the Swedish Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This study trip served as a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange on Kosovo’s political dynamics and the broader EU enlargement context. The Balkans Hub initiative continues to strengthen cooperation between European and regional think tanks working on the future of the Western Balkans in Europe.
