Kosovo
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
60 / 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit
38 / 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Kosovo holds credible and relatively well-administered elections. Many public institutions are undermined by entrenched corruption, though there are signs that a new generation of politicians are moving to confront corrupt practices through judicial and administrative reforms.
Research & Recommendations
Kosovo
Partly Free
60
100
| PR Political Rights | 28 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 32 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
60
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Kosovo holds credible and relatively well-administered elections. Many public institutions are undermined by corruption, though there are signs that a new generation of politicians are moving to confront corrupt practices through judicial and administrative reforms. Journalists continue to face intimidation, particularly on social media. The rule of law is inhibited by interference and dysfunction in the judiciary.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Kosovo
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
38
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 38.10 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 3.29 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
38
100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
In 2023, although Kosovo experienced stability in governance, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Lëvizja Vetëvendosje Movement (Self-Determination Movement, LVV) party enjoying a majority in the Assembly and in Kurti’s coalition government, this did not result in significant improvements to the internal functioning of the state or the effective implementation of reforms. This is due to the ongoing tensions in the Serb-majority municipalities in the north, and the events in the European Union (EU)–facilitated dialogue with Serbia. The year began with preexisting tensions from the 2022 mass resignation of Kosovo Serbs from government institutions and the erection of barricades in the northern part of Kosovo at the end of the year. In January 2023, the joint efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission, the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), and the Kosovo Police successfully removed the remaining barricades. However, this action did not mark the resolution of the crisis, which peaked in mid-2023.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
60
/ 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit Score
38
/ 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Population: 1,873,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
