Brussels, 28/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 28 October, Kosovo and the European Union began their negotiations in Pristina for a stabilisation and association agreement (SAA). “With the start of the SAA negotiations, we turn a new page in our relationship”, said Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle. The agreement, which will gradually establish a bilateral free trade area, will be the first overall contractual relationship between Kosovo and the EU and an important milestone in Kosovo's European integration process.
Füle stated that the start of the negotiations “is a clear recognition of the progress made by Kosovo on key reforms and the substantial efforts achieved in normalisation of relations with Serbia”. He said that Kosovo must now focus on these negotiations “and beyond”. Kosovo “needs to confirm and explain its negotiating position”, Füle went on. He concluded that Pristina “also needs to continue to work on the eight other priority areas identified in our feasibility study so that it will be able to implement the SAA and meet the obligations this will entail”.
“Today we open a new chapter in our relationship with the EU! The opening of the SAA negotiations marks the first step on a long journey towards membership”, said Kosovo's Minister for European Affairs Vlora Citaku.
Concluding in spring and initialling the project in summer. Füle stated that the Commission aims to finish its negotiations next spring, in order to initial the draft agreement in summer and to submit the proposal to the Council and the European Parliament in order to conclude the agreement. The negotiations will be led by the European Commission, and the arrangements on the political dialogue and common foreign and security policy will be negotiated by High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. On 22 April 2013, the Commission recommended that the SAA association negotiations be opened and said that Kosovo had achieved all the short term priorities identified in the feasibility study (see EUROPE 10832), and on 26 June 2013, the Council authorised the opening of the negotiations (see EUROPE 10874). (CG/transl.fl)