Marc Hendrickx represents EA Group at Working Group on Kosovo meeting in Mitrovica

Mitrovica, Kosovo – On 23 October, European Alliance (EA) Group member Marc Hendrickx participated in the fourth meeting of the European Committee of the Regions’ Working Group on Kosovo, held in South Mitrovica. The meeting focused on the role of local authorities in Kosovo’s European integration process, as well as their contribution to reconciliation, conflict resolution and cooperation between communities.

Hosted by Faton Peci, Mayor of South Mitrovica, the meeting brought together local representatives, EU officials and international experts to discuss the challenges facing Kosovo and its municipalities.

The first session focused on Kosovo’s European integration process and the role of local authorities in bringing the country closer to EU membership. Elbert Krasniqi, Kosovo’s Minister of Local Government Administration, joined representatives of the EU Office in Kosovo and the Association of Kosovo Municipalities to discuss the reforms needed and the challenges municipalities face in implementing them.

Marc Hendrickx underlined the importance of involving local authorities throughout the enlargement process: “Local authorities must be fully involved in the EU enlargement process. After all, it is our cities and municipalities that turn European reforms into reality. We must ensure they have the resources, the capacity and, above all, a genuine say in the decisions that shape their future.”

The meeting also turned to the sensitive question of reconciliation between communities. Drawing on experiences from Northern Ireland, Cyprus and other European border regions, participants discussed how local cooperation can help rebuild trust and overcome longstanding divisions.

These lessons are particularly relevant in northern Kosovo, where relations between communities remain fragile. The return of Kosovo Serbs to local democratic institutions following the 2025 municipal elections was an encouraging development, but much remains to be done to restore trust and ensure lasting stability.