Kosovo is holding elections to break a months-long political deadlock, exacerbated by an economic crisis and stalled EU-backed projects. The vote aims to enable reforms crucial for EU membership, which have been delayed by institutional paralysis. Unresolved security and diplomatic challenges persist, particularly in the Serb-majority north and in stalled EU-brokered talks with Serbia. While the EU is lifting sanctions, business groups warn of declining investor confidence in one of Europe's poorest economies.