Brussels, 19/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn is hoping that the stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) between the EU and Kosovo can enter into force in early 2016.
During a press conference with Kosovo's Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, Hahn stated that he wanted to make proposals for the EU member states to give their agreement for the signature and conclusion of the SAA at the end of April, and for the adoption process to be finished before the end of 2015 - in the autumn. “Then the agreement will be able to enter into force at the start of next year”, he added. In Hahn's view, progress on the SAA confirms that Kosovo's European outlook is “well and truly alive”.
Hahn stated that the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA) would continue to support the political priorities in the areas of the rule of law, governance, public administration, economic development and competitiveness. “Our support should be targeted, effective and efficient. We want to see clear results. The impact is everything”, he warned.
The commissioner highlighted three “key issues” in Kosovo's European process for “the immediate future”: the rule of law and fundamental rights, a democracy that functions well, and Kosovo's economic development (including the fight against unemployment, particularly youth unemployment). “We must concentrate on the fundamental issues: Kosovo must improve its investment climate and open up new markets, fight organised crime and corruption, and the country needs to reform its public administration. Lastly, more progress towards an independent and professional judicial system are crucial”, he said. Hahn stressed the importance of continuing the cooperation between the government and opposition because “implementing the European reform programme requires wide political consensus and the cooperation of all players”.
Hahn hailed the fact that the Kosovan government had already adopted the economic reform programme requested by the EU in its 2014 strategy for enlargement (see EUROPE 11173), and that it had prioritised the economy and necessary economic reform. He stated that in the coming weeks, the Commission would assess and discuss the proposed reforms, and would provide specific recommendations. “The recent increase in illegal migrant flows from Kosovo underscores the need for these reforms still further, which will make the country more attractive for its young people and investors by creating jobs and growth”, Hahn said.
The commissioner also reiterated the importance of implementing the agreements already obtained in the dialogue with Serbia and of signing others. “Dialogue with Serbia remains vital for Kosovo's European future and the normalisation of relations must be your key commitment for the months and years to come”, he warned. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)