In its 2016 progress report on Kosovo, the European Commission called on all the different political parties to act responsibly and commit themselves to constructive dialogue at the parliament, "the main forum of political debate", despite the polarisation between the government and opposition that has continued this year.
The normal operational functioning of the parliament was prevented over a number of months, particularly because of the use of violence by members of the opposition. The Commission, however, in its report, welcomed the recent return of opposition members to parliamentary activity.
Although progress was accomplished with reforms to the public administration, the continued politicisation of this administration remains a serious concern to the EU. The legal power is still also vulnerable to excessive political influence and the institutions underpinning the rule of law suffer from a lack of financing and human resources, the report states.
Kosovo has also enhanced its institutional capacities in the fight against corruption and organised crime. Nonetheless, according to the Commission, its efforts must be accompanied by a high-level of political resolve to rectify corruption across-the-board. This still remains very widespread. The struggle against organised-crime also lacks a "strategic political engagement".
Although progress has been accomplished in the field of human rights, the Commission warns "the protection of individual rights amongst minorities and persons with disabilities must be considerably strengthened".
On relations with Serbia, the report highlights that "progress has been limited, particularly because of the electoral process in Serbia and the domestic situation in Kosovo". The Commission argues that "continued efforts are needed to implement the agreements that have already been concluded".
The EU-Kosovo stabilisation and association agreement entered into force on 1 April 2016 and Kosovo has also made progress over the past year in the area of visa liberalisation. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)