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The European Union has strongly condemned today’s politically motivated sentencing of prominent Russian election expert Grigory Melkonyants , co-chair of the country’s leading independent election monitoring organization Golos . A Moscow court handed down a five-year prison sentence to Melkonyants under Russia’s controversial “undesirable organisations” law — a piece of repressive legislation frequently used by the Kremlin to silence critics and suppress civil society.

In a statement issued today, the European External Action Service (EEAS) described the charges against Melkonyants as “fabricated” and emphasized that his prosecution is directly linked to his long-standing commitment to democratic principles, pluralism, and fundamental freedoms in Russia.

“Grigory Melkonyants has been targeted for his unwavering work in support of free and fair elections,” the EU spokesperson said. “This verdict is another example of how the Russian authorities are weaponizing the legal system to punish those who dare to promote democratic values.”

Melkonyants’ case has drawn international concern following his arrest earlier this year. He was charged under a law that allows the designation of foreign or domestic groups as “undesirable” if they are deemed a threat to Russia’s constitutional order, defense capabilities, or public security. Critics argue the law is deliberately vague and provides authorities with broad powers to target activists, journalists, and opposition figures.

Over the past decade, the EU has repeatedly denounced such repressive legal tools as part of a broader strategy by Russian authorities aimed at stifling dissent, dismantling civil society, and undermining independent institutions. The bloc reiterated its call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, including Melkonyants, and to abolish laws designed to crush independent voices.

The sentencing comes amid ongoing repression of dissent within Russia, particularly targeting those critical of the government’s policies, including its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU reaffirmed its solidarity with Russian citizens who advocate for an open, democratic future for their country, one that respects human rights and international law.

“The EU stands firm with all those in Russia who continue to speak out despite the risks,” the statement continued. “We urge the Russian authorities to respect the rights of their citizens to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.”

Background: Golos and the Repression of Civil Society

Golos , meaning “Voice” in Russian, has been instrumental in monitoring Russian electoral processes since the early 2000s. It played a crucial role in exposing fraud during parliamentary elections in 2011 and has consistently worked to defend the integrity of the ballot box in the face of state pressure. The organization was previously labeled a “foreign agent” — another stigmatizing designation used by the Russian government to discredit independent groups — before being declared “undesirable” in 2022.

As crackdowns on civil society intensify, many Russian NGOs have been forced to disband or move operations abroad. Human rights defenders, journalists, and activists continue to face imprisonment, exile, harassment, or even physical threats for their work.

The EU will continue to monitor the situation closely and consider additional restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations in Russia.

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On Tuesday, May 14, 2025, President of the European Council Antonio Costa concluded a high-level visit to Pristina with a meeting and subsequent remarks addressed to President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu of Kosovo. The visit underscored the European Union’s ongoing commitment to the enlargement process in the Western Balkans, emphasizing it as a key geopolitical strategy for fostering peace, stability, and prosperity across the continent.

A Strong Message of Support

Speaking after the bilateral meeting, President Costa reiterated the strategic importance of integrating Western Balkan countries into the European Union. “The enlargement to the Western Balkans countries is the most important geopolitical investment from the European Union,” he stated, highlighting both his personal conviction and the broader EU stance.

This statement comes at a crucial time for Kosovo, which continues to pursue its European integration path despite complex regional dynamics and internal political challenges. President Costa praised President Osmani-Sadriu for her personal dedication to advancing this vision, noting that the benefits of EU membership would be tangible for Kosovo’s citizens — from economic growth to improved governance and rule of law.

The Growth Plan as a Catalyst

Central to the discussion was the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, a comprehensive initiative designed to support reforms, infrastructure development, and economic convergence with EU standards. President Costa urged Kosovo to maintain momentum on implementing its reform agenda, calling it essential to fully leverage the opportunities provided by the plan.

He emphasized that while the EU remains committed to facilitating this journey, the responsibility lies with Kosovo’s leadership and institutions to deliver on their commitments. This includes strengthening democratic processes, ensuring the independence of key institutions, and promoting inclusive governance that reflects the country’s diverse society.

Normalization of Relations with Serbia

A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the Belgrade-Pristina normalization talks, which remain central to regional stability and EU accession prospects. President Costa stressed the need for “real and tangible progress” in the dialogue, underscoring that normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is not only a prerequisite for deeper Euro-Atlantic integration but also a vital step toward long-term peace and cooperation in the region.

“Ultimately, this should come to the benefit of your European path and the lives of Kosovans,” Costa remarked, reinforcing the view that reconciliation and mutual recognition are not just political necessities, but moral imperatives for lasting peace.

Building Consensus and Trust

In his concluding remarks, President Costa commended Kosovo for its efforts in strengthening democracy over recent years, expressing confidence that the country would continue on this trajectory. He called for greater political consensus among different forces within Kosovo, noting that unity and predictability are critical to building trust — both domestically and with international partners.

The appointment of Peter Sørensen as the new EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue was also highlighted as a positive development, signaling renewed EU engagement and facilitation in the normalization process.

President Costa’s visit and remarks serve as a timely reminder that Kosovo’s place is indeed in the European family — a sentiment echoed throughout the speech. However, this future hinges on sustained reform, democratic resilience, and regional cooperation. For Kosovo, the road to EU membership remains challenging but clear.

As the Western Balkans continue to navigate the complexities of reform and reconciliation, the EU’s steadfast support remains pivotal. With strong political will on both sides, the dream of European integration can become a reality — not just for Kosovo, but for the entire region.

Note:
The term “Kosovo” is used in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. The European Union respects all international legal frameworks and supports a negotiated settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

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