7th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Committee between the European Union and Kosovo
Jeton Zulfaj, Kosovo’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, and Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans in European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), opened today in Pristina the 7th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Committee between Kosovo and the European Union.
Co-chaired by Arben Krasniqi, General Secretary at the Office of Prime Minister, and Jiri Plecity, Head of DG ENEST Unit responsible for Kosovo, the Committee reviewed key political developments over the past period and took stock of the state of play in relation to political and economic criteria, alignment with the EU acquis and standards, and implementing the obligations stemming from the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA).
The discussion focused on reform priorities across a broad range of areas building on and endorsing the outcomes of sectoral sub-committee and special group meetings held under the 7th cycle of the Stabilisation and Association Dialogue.
While recognising progress achieved in several areas, the EU underlined the importance of fully functioning institutions for the needed acceleration of the reform process. The EU noted that Kosovo’s European future remains a whole-of-society endeavour, supported by a strong and consistent public consensus. In this context, enhanced cross-party cooperation, meaningful consultation with the civil society and engagement with local authorities remain important factors in advancing Kosovo’s European agenda.
The EU welcomed progress in areas related to competitiveness and inclusive growth, particularly on social policy and employment, digital transformation, taxation, economic and monetary policy, education and culture, and customs. While acknowledging the recent progress in democracy and rule of law, the EU stressed the need to accelerate and prioritise pending reforms, notably in public administration, freedom of expression, the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and the rights of persons belonging to non-majority communities.
The Government of Kosovo highlighted the progress made and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the reform agenda, implementing its obligations under the SAA, and making full use of the opportunities provided by the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans to accelerate socio-economic development and progress on the European path.
Both parties agreed to continued engagement for the benefit of Kosovo’s reform process and its European aspirations.
As Kosovo’s strongest and most reliable partner and the largest provider of financial assistance, having invested more than EUR 3.7 billion in Kosovo since 1999, the EU confirmed its commitment to supporting Kosovo’s progress on its European path.
For more information, contact:
European Union in Kosovo: Nikola GAON, Nikola.GAON-SOROKIN@ext.eeas.europa.eu
European Commission: Nikolina ČENIĆ, nikolina.cenic@ec.europa.eu
Office of the Prime Minister: Artan ÇOLLAKU, Artan.COLLAKU@rks-gov.net