After months of political deadlock that have left the country without a majority government, Kosovo heads to the polls on December 28 for a snap parliamentary election.
The vote comes at a critical time: Tensions with Serbia and with the ethnic Serb community in the north of the country remain high, EU-mediated talks with Serbia have stalled and the United States has frozen its strategic dialogue with Pristina as a result of the political crisis.
Within Kosovo, frustration is growing over unemployment, corruption and the absence of meaningful reforms.
DW explains what’s at stake, why the election matters beyond Kosovo’s borders and how its outcome could shape regional stability.