The NATO Parliamentary Assembly voted to advance Kosovo’s status from observer to associate member, with most states in favor. This status allows Kosovo to expand its delegation from its previous observer role.

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted  a recommendation on Monday which granted Kosovo’s delegation an upgraded status from observer to an associate member.

Most of the states voted in favor, one vote was against and 14 other states abstained at the Assembly meeting held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani thanked the member countries that have adopted the recommendation, noting that  the future of the country she leads is in NATO.

“NATO is Kosovo’s destiny, and this move will ensure that the voice of the most pro-NATO people on Earth is heard. We will continue our efforts together with our allies to also advance our path towards NATO membership”-Osmani wrote on ‘X’.

On Sunday, the delegation of the Parliament of Serbia requested through a letter that Kosovo’s status not be advanced.

In the statement of the Serbian Parliament, they argue that granting such a status will be a reward for Pristina, which, according to Belgrade, is doing everything to hinder the dialogue between the two countries, which is mediated by the European Union, and to avoid obligations from agreements reached in Brussels.

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is institutionally separate from NATO, but serves as an important link between NATO and member countries’ parliaments.

Established in 1955, the Parliamentary Assembly provides a unique specialised forum for members of parliament from across the Atlantic Alliance to discuss and influence decisions on Alliance security. Since the end of the Cold War in late 1980s, the Assembly has assumed a new role by integrating into its work parliamentarians from countries seeking a closer association with NATO. 

The Assembly consists of 281 delegates from all 32 NATO member countries.

Associate members likeKosovo may present resolutions and amendments to resolutions. They also can serve as special rapporteurs in committees and present their perspectives in NATO-Parliamentary Assembly reports.

However, associate members do not have the right to vote on the Assembly’s reports, resolutions or leadership, nor do they contribute to its budget.

Currently, there are nine associate members, including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Assembly of Kosovo has for years been an observer delegation with two seats. Now, with the advancement of the status, it will be possible to expand the participating Kosovar delegation.