Brussels, 11/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission announced on Thursday 10 January that €65 million has been allocated to Kosovo to support its endeavours to implement its reform programme. The European funds, which come under the 2013 annual programme for Kosovo, will be topped up with an additional €12.5 million co-financed by Kosovo authorities and other donors. The funds will be used for reforms of the justice and public administration systems, investment in education and regional development. They will also help boost private sector development by providing support for SMEs and strengthening Kosovo's trade capacities. The money also will be used to provide housing and job opportunities for Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian families who are currently living in lead-contaminated camps, the Commission says in its press release.
The programme will additionally help respond to political priorities that need financial support for their implementation, such as the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, the strategic view of the EULEX mission, and the dialogue on visas. (CG/transl.fl)