The EU Micro-Interventionism in Kosovo

Abstract This article critically examines the European Union’s (EU) micro-interventionism in Kosovo, focusing on its implications for statebuilding and institutional reforms. It argues that, while the EU’s micro-interventions aim to strengthen governance and promote European integration, they often undermine local ownership, provoke resistance, and yield superficial progress. The study analyses three key domains: rule of law reforms, where embedded EU officials and subcontracted experts have led to excessive micromanagement and reduced local agency; public administration reforms, characterised by externally imposed, short-term fixes rather than sustainable improvements; and micro-diplomacy in Kosovo-Serbia relations, which has fostered arbitrary negotiation practices and limited long-term conflict resolution. The article highlights the paradox of EU interventionism – intended to promote stability yet often resulting in governance inefficiencies and heightened local sovereignty demands. By providing a micro-political analysis, it contributes to debates on international statebuilding, emphasizing the need for more collaborative and locally driven approaches.