2026 Survey: Kosovars Trust the US and NATO Most, While Support for the EU Remains High

A survey published as part of the WeBalkans program for 2026 shows that the US and NATO continue to be the institutions enjoying the highest level of trust in Kosovo.

According to the results, 88 percent of citizens say they trust the United States of America, while an equal 88 percent also express trust in NATO, placing these two institutions at the top of the list of the country’s most trusted international partners.

The European Union comes immediately after them, with 83 percent of respondents saying they trust it. Next are the World Bank with 82 percent and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with 80 percent.

Among the international actors included in this list is also Turkey, which enjoys the trust of 78 percent of Kosovars surveyed.

The data are part of the findings of the 2026 annual survey for Kosovo, which examines citizens’ perceptions of the European Union.

Support for the youngest state in the Balkans joining the EU remains high. According to the survey, 83 percent of citizens say they support Kosovo’s European integration, while 85 percent believe membership would bring more benefits than drawbacks.

The report highlights that 68 percent of citizens feel well informed or somewhat informed about Kosovo’s European integration process.

Regarding the possible timeline for membership, 48 percent of respondents think Kosovo could become part of the EU within the next five years. Meanwhile, 32 percent believe this could happen within a period of five to 15 years, while only 3 percent believe Kosovo will never become a member of the European Union.

As for the benefits associated with EU membership, the most frequently mentioned is improving Kosovo’s image in the international arena, selected by 49 percent of respondents. This is followed by peace and security for Kosovo and the region with 43 percent, as well as a better future for children with 42 percent.

On the other hand, citizens see widespread corruption as the main obstacle to European integration, cited by 40 percent of them. It is followed by the EU’s lack of interest in having Kosovo as a member at 27 percent, while the lack of political will in Kosovo is mentioned by 26 percent.

The report also notes a high level of trust in the European Union. Around 83 percent of citizens say they trust the EU, while 64 percent say they have a positive image of the bloc.

As for financial aid, 97 percent of citizens are aware that the European Union funds projects in Kosovo. Of these, 65 percent consider this support effective.

According to respondents, the areas where the EU should play a greater role in Kosovo are economic development and trade, the healthcare system, as well as the fight against corruption and the strengthening of the rule of law.