70 million euro programming for Kosovo is launched

During 2014-2020 period, the EU will provide about € 500 million as assistance for Kosovo.

National Strategy for EU Assistance for the period 2014-2020 has identified six key priorities for Kosovo:

1. Rule of law and fundamental rights;
2. Public administration reform;
3. Energy;
4. Competition and innovation;
5. Employment and social policies;
6. Agriculture and food safety.

In her opening speech, Minister of European Integration, Ms. Vlora Çitaku, stated that: “Kosovo is in the final stage of negotiations on Stabilization and Association Agreement and ending of the visa liberalization process. However, many challenges and reforms are ahead of us. Implementation of these reforms will not be easy – it will be politically challenging, technically difficult and financially costly. But in this journey we are not alone. The European Union has consistently supported our journey towards implementation of state-building and integration relevant reforms. € 500 million may seem a lot, but in fact it’s a very small amount compared to the needs of our country. Therefore, spending these funds must be done in full coordination with the budget of the Republic of Kosovo and other donations from international partners.”

Whereas, the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo, Mr. Samuel Žbogar, satated: “National Strategy for EU Assistance developed jointly with the Government of Kosovo, provides a framework for our assistance for the next seven years 2014 to 2020. The strategy is based on a structured approach and on the results, where our support will be focused on the implementation of sector strategies which Kosovo has adopted or will adopt during this period.”

During April, May and June will continue the technical work of state institutions to finalize the project proposals for project programming worth 70 million €. Whereas, projects will start to be implemented in 2015.