Brussels, 16/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 16 October, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle announced the start of the negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) with Kosovo for 28 October. In its 2013 progress report, the European Commission states that “2013 has been a historic year for Kosovo on its path to the European Union”. Furthermore, in deciding to start negotiations on the SAA, the Commission underlines Kosovo's efforts in the dialogue with Serbia and the “important policy reforms” delivered.
In the Commission's view, Pristina has made progress on priorities such as the rule of law, public administration, the protection of minorities and trade. However, “further efforts are needed for Kosovo to meet the challenges of its European reform agenda in view of the stabilisation and association agreement”, the Commission adds. As priority areas it states further progress on the rule of law, the judicial system, public administration, electoral reform and assembly, fundamental rights and human rights, the protection of minorities, issues on the market and trade, and phytosanitary and veterinary issues.
Kosovo has also prepared the SAA negotiations and moved forward in the dialogue on visa liberalisation. It has moved towards establishing a functioning market economy, the report adds. (CG/transl.fl)