On the morning of 27 May 2019, a new EU parliamentary outline had been laid out, and new questions were raised by hopeful Western Balkans candidates as to how it could impact the enlargement process. Namely Kosovo, still a potential accession candidate wrangled in the EU-moderated dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia. For Kosovo, EU integration is as much a priority as a far-off reality, and the next cycle of the European Parliament and European Commission is important to both.

This report looks, in detail, at the outcome of the 23-26 May 2019 European elections with the European enlargement to the Western Balkans as key reference frame. What to expect for opening negotiations with official candidates, what to expect for the development of the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue? And what to expect from the new European Commission in the fall?

The real and long-term impact of the election results for the prospects of new enlargements and of Kosovo’s European path will be explored. Each section of the report will take into consideration different angles of the European elections’ role in shaping the development of Kosovo’s EU perspective and the overall enlargement process. Firstly, the new design of the European plenary, one with no more majority but rather a plethora of significant yet opposing political families. Secondly, the clear national positions of key Member States towards the enlargement process and towards Kosovo’s integration in particular. Thirdly, how both strategically inform what expect and what to recommend, moving forward with Kosovo’s European integration process.