By Micah Jonah
February 12, 2026
Kosovo’s parliament has approved a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, ending more than a year of political deadlock in the Balkan nation.
Lawmakers in the 120-member assembly voted 66 to 49 on Wednesday to back Kurti’s cabinet, hours after parliament convened for the first time since his Vetevendosje party won a snap election in December.
Before the vote, Kurti outlined his legislative agenda, identifying economic growth and increased defence investment as key priorities. He announced plans to invest one billion euros in military development, including the production of combat drones.
“During these years, we have faced constant attacks and threats from Serbia,” Kurti told lawmakers, referring to strained relations with Kosovo’s neighbour, which has not recognised its 2008 declaration of independence.
Despite the tensions, Kurti pledged to pursue the normalization of relations with Belgrade, stressing the need for a bilateral relationship without interference in internal affairs.
Tensions remain high in northern Kosovo, where most ethnic Serbs reside, but improving relations with Serbia is seen as crucial to both countries’ ambitions to join the European Union.
The approval of the new government ends months of political uncertainty following an inconclusive vote in February last year that left Kurti without a governing majority. A snap election was eventually held in December, with his party securing 57 seats after winning more than 51 percent of the vote.
The results were delayed for weeks due to alleged irregularities, triggering a full recount and a criminal investigation that reportedly led to the arrest of over 100 election staff.
With the government now in place, Kurti is expected to prioritize the approval of key international loans, including support from the European Union, as well as the passage of the 2026 budget and reforms in the health and education sectors.
