Brussels, 29/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - During plenary session on Thursday 29 March, with the adoption of a resolution on Kosovo, the European Parliament underlined that it would like the five EU member states that have not yet done so to recognise Kosovo's declaration of independence, and to play a more active role in discussions between Serbia and Kosovo. It pointed out that the EU's commitment towards Kosovo is “vital for preserving stability and security in the EU's immediate neighbourhood”.
With the adoption of a report by Ulrike Lunacek (Greens/EFA, Austria) on Kosovo's European integration process, the EP notes that the Kosovo declaration of independence has been recognised by 88 countries, including 22 European Union member states. The EP would welcome it if “the remaining five EU member states did likewise” and deplores the fact that Serbia is applying diplomatic pressure to dissuade a number of countries from recognising Kosovo. The EP welcomes the Commission's intention to launch, on 27 March 2012, a feasibility study for a stabilisation and association agreement between Kosovo and the EU (a study that should be completed by autumn 2012 at the latest). It also welcomes the fact that dialogue has been started on visas and expects the Commission to present the roadmap on visa liberalisation this spring, “adopting the same approach as it has for other Western Balkan countries”.
On the subject of the Pristina/Belgrade dialogue (regional cooperation), the EP welcomes the fact that nine rounds of dialogue have taken place so far, resulting in several preliminary agreements, including that of 2 December 2011 on integrated management for crossing points (IMB) in the northern part of the country. The EP, however, is concerned that previous agreements (such as those concerning the handover of all civil registries to the Kosovar authorities and customs stamps) had not been fully implemented by the Serbian side. It invites the Serbian government to show willingness to achieve the aims of the dialogue. Also, MEPs welcome the agreements between Belgrade and Pristina on IMB and on inclusive regional cooperation reached on 24 February, and underline the utmost importance of implementing in good faith the agreements reached (deploring in this context the recent disagreement between the parties over the use of a footnote on the subject of the Kosovo delegation).
The EP warns the Serbian authorities that the organisation of local elections in Kosovo would be “contrary to international law and would undermine regional stability and the ongoing bilateral dialogue with Kosovo”.
MEPs highlight the need for Kosovo to carry out reforms in: - constitutional and electoral areas; - public administration and the professionalism of judges and prosecutors; - the promotion of pluralist and independent media; - and on the question of rule of law, which remains a matter of concern. The Parliament calls for measures to be taken against corruption and against organised crime, and also states its concern regarding discrimination, which is a major problem at national level.
During the debate the previous day, the Danish minister for European affairs, Nicolai Wammen, said that the Council in December stated how vitally important dialogue was between Serbia and Kosovo on a full range of issues (from freedom of movement of persons to customs and from the land register to the implementation of integrated management of border crossing points). “This call was certainly heard in both Belgrade and Pristina. Progress was made over the subsequent months, and considerable political courage was demonstrated in both capitals. These are very positive developments, which demonstrate the power of the enlargement process to promote reform”, Wamman said.
“The Kosovars finally have the chance to create a European democratic state. Although some difficulties are still to be overcome, they have already done a great deal. It is our role to recognise (these efforts made) and to help the Kosovars”, said Bernd Posselt (EPP, Germany). He called for equity. Serbia has candidate country status, while Kosovo is not yet recognised by five EU member states, he explained, adding: “That must change”. He specified that there were nine agreements between Pristina and Belgrade but that “the most important have not yet been signed and only two are half way to being transposed. We do not want promises but concrete acts before the Serbian elections”. Posselt said that the EP “does not want Kosovo to be divided, or a new status issue, but European development of a young democracy”. Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, Italy) said “our objective is to encourage the Kosovo authorities to continue along the road of democratic reform”, while admitting that there are many problems. He welcomed the historic agreement between Pristina and Belgrade on regional cooperation and the launch of a feasibility study. “We must insist on this”, Panzeri said, adding: “It will allow pacification and will make the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo more constructive, and overcome the distrust of EU countries that have not recognised Kosovo.” “The citizens of Kosovo are finally receiving good news from Brussels”, said Jelko Kacin (ALDE). Kosovo needs urgent dialogue with the Serb community to the north of Kosovo and with the Serbs on the southern rim of the Ibar, Kacin added. He went on to conclude: “The north, dominated by Serbs, must define its future. It will be difficult until a number of member states modify their position on Kosovo's independence.” (LC and CG/transl.jl)