Brussels, 12/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - In its monitoring report of Tuesday 10 November, the European Commission states that Kosovo has made fresh progress since October 2014, but that progress still remains to be made.
Among the steps forward, the stabilisation and association agreement signed between Kosovo and the EU in October 2015 is “a milestone on Kosovo's path towards a European future”. The country has also moved forward on two key commitments - the establishment of special chambers on the allegations of trafficking organs, and the normalisation of relations with Serbia.
Among the challenges to be addressed, Pristina must “urgently” resolve the issue of the violent obstructions of recent Assembly plenary sessions by members of the opposition. These obstructions have adversely affected the functioning of the Assembly, and the Commission highlights an increased politicisation of exchanges between the government and opposition. Another urgent need is to make the independent institutions and regulatory authorities function properly as many are not currently “operational”. The reform of the public administration must also be continued, as its politicisation is a major concern. As regards the rule of law, despite a series of laws being adopted “with success”, the judicial system lacks responsibility and resources and is subject to political interference. Further progress must also be made against corruption and for media independence, the Commission states.
From an economic point of view, very low levels of labour force participation together with high unemployment hinder economic development. To boost competitiveness, further investment is needed in human capital and physical infrastructure. Political interference in the economy needs to be reduced, the Commission report adds. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)