Kosovo and the European Union held the 8th SAA Sub-committee meeting on Innovation, Information Society and Social Policy

Representatives of Kosovo and European Commission held the eighth meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement Sub-Committee on Innovation, Information Society and Social Policy on 8 October, in Brussels. The meeting covered a broad range of topics from education, youth, social policies and employment, information society, telecommunication and audio-visual policies, and cultural heritage. 

On employment, the Commission encouraged the authorities to finalise and adopt long pending legislation covering employment, work life balance as well as health and safety at work, which also represent Government priorities. The restructuring of the Employment Agency should be finalised and its capacities enforced to be able to efficiently deliver active labour market measures and have a meaningful impact in reducing the rates of unemployment and inactivity, particularly among women of working age. The authorities are also encouraged to ensure that the Labour Inspectorate has adequate financial and human resources to fulfil its mandate and increase transparency of reporting of cases of work-related accidents. The Commission commended Kosovo for the work so far in piloting of the Youth Guarantee Scheme, to address the high levels of NEETs (Youth not in Employment, nor in Education or Training) and encouraged to put the conditions in place for its full roll out. The Commission also encouraged the authorities to help increase the capacity of workers’ and employers’ organisations to negotiate and conclude collective agreements independently. 

On social inclusion and social protection, the Commission noted the progress so far in the reforms of Kosovo’s social assistance schemes, and hopes to see a fully-fledged implementation, including by adoption of the Law on Social Assistance and Social Benefits. Monitoring and inspection of social services should be performed in regular and uniform manner; likewise the funding for delivery of social services by municipalities, through a specific grant in municipal budgets should be addressed with priority.  

On information society, the Commission noted implementation of telephone number portability, ensuring effective use of numbering resources and fostering competition between Kosovo’s mobile operators on a level playing field. Kosovo was encouraged to continue implementing the Electronic Governance strategy 2023-2028 and the Digital Agenda 2023, as well as expanding the electronic Services offered by eKosova Platform to citizens and businesses. The Commission encouraged Kosovo to allocate sufficient resources for implementation of the National Strategy on Cyber Security and the related Action Plan. In terms of legislation, Kosovo should fully align with the EU NIS2 cyber security Directive, the EU Regulation on electronic identification and trust services 2.0, and with the European Electronic Communications Code.

On audiovisual policies, the parties agreed that Kosovo continues working on aligning legislation with the Audio-Visual Media Services Directive and with the European Media Freedom Act.  The Commission further encouraged Kosovo to find a sustainable financing solution for the public broadcaster, in line with the EU acquis. 

On education, the Commission noted the progress made in the increase of enrolment in early childhood education, vocational education training (VET) expansion and the adoption of a new curriculum for children aged 0–6. The Commission also stressed the need to prioritise basic skills, STEM and digitalisation in the main policy and legislative documents. The Commission also welcome the positive participation in the Erasmus+ programme and stressed the importance of strengthening the governance at all education levels. Kosovo authorities informed about concrete actions being taken to address basic skills in light of the recent PISA results, work towards improving performances in reading, mathematics and science, the state of play of the main legislative programmes, and provided updates on sport and youth. 

On VET, both parties agreed on the need to better match skills with labour market needs, reviewing curricula and training profiles and redesigning the VET financing system.

On the protection of cultural heritage, the Commission encouraged Kosovo to ensure continued commitment to the Implementation and Monitoring Council and its work, and to adopt the Law on Cultural Heritage and to make full use of the Creative Europe. 

On research and innovation, parties acknowledged the need to further invest in research and innovation capacity to increase competitiveness, integration into the European Research Area and participation in Horizon Europe. The Commission stressed the need to provide the research and innovation ecosystem with sufficient funding, aiming for around 1% of the GDP. The Commission encouraged Kosovo to continue the work to conclude the national Smart Specialisation Strategy.

Background information

• The Stabilisation and Association Agreement is the framework for the EU and the Kosovo administration to regularly discuss technical and policy issues in relation to the European agenda. 

• SAA Committee and Sub-Committee meetings are co-chaired by the European Commission and Kosovo. Each meeting results in jointly agreed follow-up actions to be taken by the Kosovo authorities. 

• There are seven areas covered through sectorial meetings of sub-Committees, on Justice, Freedom and Security; Innovation, Information Society, Social Policy, Education and Culture; Trade, Industry, Customs and Taxation; Internal Market, Competition, Consumer and Health Protection; Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Food Safety; Transport, Environment, Energy, Regional Development; Economic and Financial Issues, Statistics.  

• Each sub-Committee meeting monitors and accompanies Kosovo's delivery on reforms and identifies how the EU can assist in this process. The meetings also provide direct input into the European Commission’s annual reports. 

For more information, contact: 

European Union in Kosovo: Nikola GAON, Nikola.GAON-SOROKIN@ext.eeas.europa.eu 

European Commission: Beatrice TOLETTI, Beatrice.TOLETTI@ec.europa.eu 

Office of the Prime Minister: Jeton KARAQICA, Jeton.KARAQICA@rks-gov.net