On Friday 11 November, European Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn officially launched the European reform agenda in Kosovo.
"The European reform agenda is a tool that helps take advantage of the benefits of the stabilisation and association agreement", Hahn said in Kosovo, adding that the agenda would serve as a platform for implementing "urgent" reforms and bringing the country closer to the European path. The agenda includes a roadmap that sets out the three specific priorities – good governance and the rule of law, the investment environment and competitiveness, and education and employment – to be implemented over the next 12 to 18 months.
"This of course requires a concerted effort, not only from the government but also from the opposition, civil society and companies", Hahn said, with Kosovo having been through a political crisis in 2016. "I am convinced that the reform programme will act as a unifying force, helping all parties to work together to reach the same objectives so that Kosovo can continue on the path of European integration", he added.
The EU has already disbursed €165 million to support the reforms. "We will continue to offer our political and financial support in the long term to help Kosovo in this", Hahn added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)