The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee today approved the draft report on Kosovo's progress towards the EU during 2023-2024, noting that the country has made significant progress in electoral reforms, economic stability and the protection of fundamental rights.
However, MEPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee have noted that challenges remain in judicial reform, media freedom, administrative efficiency and the digitalization of public services.
The report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs was approved with 48 votes in favor, 19 against and 6 abstentions.
The report also states that the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue has not yet yielded the expected results.
Kosovo's determination to join the European Union has been constant and all efforts to bring Kosovo out of the 'grey zone' are in the interest of Kosovo and the EU, MEPs emphasize in the report.
They fully support Kosovo's application for membership in the Council of Europe, its strategic aim to join NATO's Partnership for Peace program, and its bids to join other international organizations.
Noting that strong political commitment is necessary to establish a solid track record in the fight against high-level corruption, MEPs welcome the progress made in prosecuting corruption cases.
They also call on Kosovo to continue to improve the capacities of the Special Prosecution Office to investigate and prosecute high-profile cases of organized crime.
Calling for the immediate lifting of EU measures against Kosovo, which are no longer justified after Kosovo has met EU requirements, MEPs underline that the measures are in grave contradiction with Kosovo's commitment to European values and are hindering the resumption of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue in good faith.
Stressing that the dialogue has not yielded the expected results, MEPs urge Kosovo and Serbia to implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of the association and the lifting of Serbia's opposition to Kosovo's membership in regional and international organisations. Both countries should also avoid unilateral actions that could undermine the dialogue process.
Rapporteur Riho Terras from Estonia said that Kosovo's integration process needs a new momentum.
"We need a new chapter in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. It is extremely positive that in the political landscape of Kosovo, all major parties are strongly in favor of EU integration. Kosovo's future is in the European family based on the reform agenda and we will work together," he said.
The EU imposed punitive measures against Kosovo in 2023 due to the escalation of the security situation in the north. The European Commission has accused the Kurti government of uncoordinated actions despite calls from the international community.
The punitive measures in June 2023 include the temporary suspension of the working groups for the Stabilization and Association Agreement, suspension from the funding program for Kosovo, non-invitation of Kosovo to high-level meetings other than meetings in the dialogue with Serbia, and non-approval of projects from the Western Balkans Investment Fund. Kosovapress.
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