Brussels, 10/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission's feasibility study, published on 10 October, says that Kosovo is “largely ready” to open negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) “in a situation where EU member states maintain different views on the status of Kosovo” (five member states have not recognised Kosovo's independence), and that there is no legal obstacle to concluding an agreement. “The Commission will propose negotiating directives for such an agreement once Kosovo has made progress in meeting short term priorities”, the report states, highlighting progress in terms of the rule of law, public administration, protection of minorities and trade. The report says that Kosovo has put in place the institutional and legal framework needed to begin negotiations.
The Commission says also that it is “essential” for Pristina to continue implementing “in good faith” the agreements concluded with Serbia and to engage “constructively” on the full range of issues with Belgrade. Recalling that a visible and sustainable improvement in these relations is needed for Kosovo and Serbia's European integration, the Commission states that it is necessary to tackle the problems in the north of Kosovo. (CG/transl.fl)