Kosovo’s Path to the Council of Europe: Identifying procedures, obstacles and solutions for membership

September 18, 2013

This policy report assesses Kosovo’s path to joining the Council of Europe. Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe is Europe’s most inclusive institution, including 47 of a possible 51 states. It is also considered the human rights standard for Europe, making it one of Europe’s most important institutions. Kosovo’s integration into international organizations would not be complete without membership in the Council, making it a foreign policy priority for Kosovo.This report seeks to identify the procedures to joining the Council, the requirements Kosovo will have to fulfill to gain membership and the roadblocks that would prevent Kosovo from joining the Council. It also tries to identify the timeframe for Kosovo’s application, the way to fulfill the Council’s requirements and the strategy to overcome roadblocks impeding Kosovo’s accession. The report begins with an overview of the Council of Europe and its institutions, especially those relating to democracy, the rule of law and human rights. It then explains the necessity of Kosovo’s membership for both the Council of Europe and Kosovo. Next, it considers the requirements for Kosovo to join the Council of Europe, especially considering statehood, receiving an invitation to join the Council of Europe and ability and willingness to fulfill demands on members. It also discusses alternative, intermediate forms of membership and when Kosovo should apply to the Council of Europe. It concludes with a series of recommendations that will ease Kosovo’s path to membership.

Policy Reports

Kosovo’s Path to the Council of Europe: Identifying procedures, obstacles and solutions for membership

Download PDF 18/09/2013

Share article


Latest Publications

January 31, 2024

Policy Analysis

EU Reform Barometer in Kosovo - First Edition

Related Espresso Insights

March 4, 2024

Espresso.Insights

Passport Hangover: What’s next after Spain’s Kosovo breakthrough?

by GLPS

January 16, 2023

Espresso.Insights

Recognized but not supported: Hungary's stance on Kosovo's EU bid

by GLPS