EU and Kosovo holds the SAP Dialogue on Justice, Freedom and Security

The Commission was updated on cooperation with civil society organisations, the functioning of the Assembly and developments in the field of the protection of personal data and on the important issues of transitional justice and missing persons.

On the protection of minority communities, it was agreed that the strategy and action plan for the integration of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities needs to be fully implemented to bring it to a successful conclusion. A new policy commitment is then needed for beyond 2015. The Kosovo authorities committed to improving the conditions for the well being of minority communities. As concerns integration of these communities, Kosovo committed itself to do its utmost to put into effect durable solutions, including on returns. The worrying situation of the increasing number of individuals and families leaving Kosovo was discussed.

With regards to enforcement of fundamental rights, the need to strengthen the institutional set up was discussed. The Commission asked that the upcoming adoption of the Human Rights package of laws should be preceded by a transparent and effective public consultation process. Discussions also focused on issues of anti-discrimination, women’s and children’s rights, the  protection of the LGBTI community and persons with disabilities. The Kosovo authorities agreed to tackle these crucial issues with renewed vigour, and to deliver concrete results.

On the fight against corruption and organised crime the meeting assessed progress and  ongoing challenges. With regards to the fight against corruption, the Commission underlined once again the importance of delivering results proactively, the development of a sustainable track record and the need for improved inter-institutional cooperation. In the discussions on the fight against organised crime special focus was dedicated to the importance of the confiscation of assets and anti-money laundering actions. The developments in the fight against trafficking in human beings and narcotics featured needs to be further strengthened. Emphasis was put on the need to develop a sustainable track record. The issue of the fight against terrorism was also addressed in the meeting on the agenda.

With regards to the judiciary, parties discussed cooperation with EULEX, and the Kosovo authorities will provided an update on the independence, accountability and efficiency of the judiciary. The Kosovo authorities reported on the functioning of the courts, prosecutorial offices and relevant Councils and the move of courts and prosecution to the Palace of Justice. The Commission underlined the importance of the proper functioning of the Palace of Justice for the efficiency and independence of the judiciary. The urgent need for appointment of KJC members, to ensure quorum for decision making, was highlighted, both by Kosovo authorities and the European Commission. Discussions were held on the plans for the need for further judicial reforms and future legislative plans, and the need for strategy and coordination regarding the handling and enforcement of property rights.

The SAP Dialogue meeting on Justice, Freedom and Security, the conclusions of which will feed into this year’s Progress Report, is organised together with the Ministry for European Integration.

Background information:

• The SAP Dialogue is the framework for the EU and the Kosovo administration to regularly discuss technical and policy issues in relation to the European agenda. The meetings provide direct input into the European Commission’s yearly progress report.
• The SAP Dialogue monitors and accompanies Kosovo’s delivery on reforms and identifies how the EU can assist in this process.
• There are seven areas covered in sectoral meetings and they follow closely the format of the dialogue that the EU has with other candidates and potential candidates. The sectoral meetings are on Justice, Freedom and Security; Innovation, Information Society, Social Policy, Education and Culture; Trade, Industry, Customs and Taxation; Internal Market, Competition, Consumer and Health Protection; Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Food Safety; Transport, Environment, Energy, Regional Development; Economic and Financial Issues, Statistics.
• Sectoral and plenary SAP Dialogue meetings are co-chaired by the European Commission and the government. Each meeting results in jointly agreed follow-up actions to be taken by the Kosovo authorities. A high level plenary meeting, where the reform priorities will be discussed, is expected to take place in July 2015. The conclusions from the meetings you can find at the website of the EU Office in Kosovo.