6th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Committee between the European Union and Kosovo
12 January 2023
Virtual meeting
The 6th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Committee between the European Union and Kosovo took place on 12 January 2023. H.E Mr Besnik Bislimi, the First Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue, Government of Kosovo, and Ms Michela Matuella, Acting Director for the Western Balkans in the European Commission’s Directorate General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations delivered opening remarks. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Artan Çollaku, Director, Office of Coordination of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Kosovo, and Mr Vassilis Maragos, Head of Unit in the European Commission’s Directorate General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.
The Committee discussed key political developments and took stock of the state of play in relation to the political and economic criteria, alignment with EU legislation and standards, financial cooperation as well as implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). It assessed and approved the outcome of seven thematic subcommittees and two Special Group meetings held over the year since the 5th Committee. Parties also assessed the progress in relation to the European Reform Agenda II and the Economic Reform Programme, which are some of the key frameworks guiding Kosovo’s reform efforts in its implementation of the SAA.
The meeting discussed reform priorities in many areas, including energy, rule of law and fundamental rights, public administration reform, competitiveness and innovation, employment and education.
Overall, the European Commission welcomed the Government’s continued commitment and efforts to implement EU-related reforms, including in the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as post-pandemic economic recovery, and underlined the importance for these steps to be followed through. Work has also been done to lay the foundation for sustainable progress in several areas, including the green and energy transition, and innovation. The Commission commended Kosovo on strengthening capacities to coordinate the implementation of the SAA and related monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The EUrenewed its commitment and readiness to continue to offer its advice to avoid incompatibilities between the Government’s actions and its commitments under the SAA.
Kosovo referred to the recent submission of its application for membership to the European Union, pointing out its strong commitment to further advance on its EU path by implementing the reforms required.
The Commission encouraged the Government to engage more closely with all political parties in the Assembly, including from the opposition, to maintain political consensus on the EU path, as well as on the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. The Commission urged the Government to make rapid progress towards a comprehensive agreement on normalisation of relations with Serbia, to fully implement all past Agreements and to refrain from any divisive actions or statements which do not contribute to an environment conducive to dialogue.
The Committee underlined the importance of alignment with best EU standards in all areas, especially on rule of law, public administration reform, economic development, internal market, education, energy and environment. The Commission reiterated the importance of maintaining macro-financial stability. The parties look forward to further discussing progress made in these key areas during the next Stabilisation and Association Council.
Last modified: January 17, 2023
