EU-Kosovo: over de eindfase van de onderhandelingen van de stabilisatie-en associatieovereenkomst (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Europese Commissie (EC) i, gepubliceerd op dinsdag 1 april 2014.

European Commission

Statement

Brussels, 1 April 2014

EU-Kosovo: about the final stage of SAA negotiations

Štefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, met today with Vlora Çitaku, Minister for European Integration, and Enver Hoxhaj, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to review Kosovo's progress in the EU reform process.

Discussions focused on the key issues on the EU-Kosovo* agenda for this year: the normalisation of relations with Serbia, the general elections scheduled for this year, the need to continue to work on the rule of law, visa liberalisation dialogue and the negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Commissioner Füle commended the progress made and expressed his confidence that negotiations on the Agreement will be completed shortly.

Progress on topical issues for Kosovo's EU reform agenda, such as the updating of the voters' list was also reviewed. This is particularly important in view of the general elections planned for this year. Kosovo* should build on the successful local elections of late last year.

Commissioner Füle also emphasised the importance of continuing the good cooperation with EULEX now, as well as in the context of the ongoing EULEX Strategic Review. The rule of law will remain a top-priority for EU-Kosovo relations for years to come. Kosovo should continue to make the best use of all the help that is on offer.

Finally, Commissioner Füle highlighted the importance the EU will increasingly attach to economic development and governance, which are closely linked to the rule of law. Kosovo urgently needs to work on a strategic approach to its economic well-being and its efforts to fight the scourge of unacceptably high unemployment, especially among the young. Commissioner Füle confirmed that the EU continues to stand ready to help Kosovo address these challenges.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.