Joint statement on the formation of the new government in Kosovo

European Commission - Statement

Brussels, 09 December 2014

Federica Mogherini i, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, and Johannes Hahn i, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement negotiations, issued the following statement today:

"We welcome the formation of a new government in Kosovo and look forward to working with the new authorities in Pristina. Today's constitutive session of the Assembly and election of the government ends the political deadlock that prevented progress in Kosovo following the general elections of 8 June 2014."

Federica Mogherini said:

"I am looking forward to working with the new government on Kosovo's EU path as well as to the resumption of the high-level dialogue for the normalisation of relations between Pristina and Belgrade in the near future. Comprehensive normalisation is an ambition we share with both sides. The work must continue urgently, both through the full implementation of agreements already reached as well as by tackling new issues that still need to be addressed. I am ready to personally engage in order to make further progress in the normalisation of relations. It is also important that the new government continues cooperation with EULEX in the implementation of its revised mandate, including by proceeding with the necessary amendments of the legal framework, which will allow for the setting up of the Specialist Court."

Johannes Hahn said:

"It is essential that Kosovo's new government gets to work on the many challenges it faces. Alongside with the resumption of the dialogue, the new government has to also resume its European reform agenda. I look forward to working with the new government to encourage and support Kosovo's efforts on the rule of law, public administration reform and economic governance. There is also a lot of ground to cover to catch-up on preparations for the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement that was initialled on 25 July. The European Commission is ready to support these efforts."

STATEMENT/14/2508

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