Negotiation process for Stabilization and Association Agreement is concluded

In his opening remark of the meeting, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaçi, stated that: “Stabilisation and Association Agreement will be the foundation of our country’s integration process in  European Union. Negotiated agreement will provide full opening of EU market for our businesses and  at the same time will provide special protection for development of small and medium enterprises that have potential to develop and create new jobs in Kosovo. We have an excellent political, legal and economic offer to join the most powerful political and economical union in the world. This moment removes any doubt and seals the strategic determination of our country to become a member of European Union.”

On his behalf, Mr. Jean-Erique Paque stated that: ”I am pleased with the results of today’s negotiations. I would like to express the gratitude for the hard work and professionalism that Kosovo team showed about this Agreement. SAA negotiations were very intense. During this process, Kosovo demonstrated political maturity as well as good technical capacity to negotiate about complex issues.”

Minister of European Integration, Ms. Vlora Çitaku, after the meeting held a press conference. During the press conference, Minister Çitaku stated that:” After 6 months of intensive work, 3 meetings at the level of chief negotiators, tens of technical meetings and a significant number of video conferences we have concluded today the negotiation of Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Today we adopted the entire text consisting of 10 titles, 5 protocols and 6 annexes. The agreement has the same structure and content like agreements of all countries of the region and includes all the elements of a comprehensive political and economic cooperation between Kosovo and EU. European Union since entry into force of SAA will fully liberalize the EU market for the products of Kosovo, and Kosovo for some time will continue to protect certain categories of products.“

General information:

In December 2012, the European Council has confirmed the progress and possibility of initiating SAA negotiations between Kosovo and European Union. This opportunity is subject to an obligation of Kosovo to meet short-term requirements outlined in the Feasibility Study.

In April 2013, the European Commission has confirmed that Kosovo meet the short term criteria in the rule of law, public administration, minority rights and trade. In June 2013, considering the short-term fulfilment of criteria, the European Council assessed the achievements and confirmed initiation of negotiations for Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

On 28 October 2013 the first meeting was held between Government of Kosovo and European Commission to negotiate the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. The second meeting was held on 27 November.

Meanwhile, tens of technical meetings were held that aimed the negotiation and agreement of the entire text of the SAA.

Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Republic of Kosovo and European Union consists of 10 titles, 5 protocols and 6 annexes.