Kosovo and EU discuss Transport, Environment, Energy, Climate and Regional Development

As concerns climate, Kosovo has yet to start implementing EU legislation to limit climate change and mitigate its consequences. Kosovo was unable to confirm the amount of greenhouse gas it producesand needs to set up a proper monitoring mechanism.

The Commission and Kosovo also discussed the latest legislative and policy developments in the area of transport. The Commission underlined the need to continue the development of projects to help establish the core network for the Western Balkans.Both sides agreed on the need to continue reforms, including strengthening the independence and capacities of regulatory institutions and improving road safety. The Commission urged Kosovo to implement the law on air navigation services.

As regards energy, the Commission stressed the need for a new energy strategy that should clearly define Kosovo’s priorities in this sector, including plans on meeting international commitments such as decommissioning Kosovo A, refurbishing Kosovo B and implementing the 3rd energy package. TheCommission noted progress in Kosovo’s plan to build a new lignite power plant, but expressed concern that the deadline for closing Kosovo A(end 2017)risks not being met.

Developments achieved and follow up actions were identified in the area of regional development.

Background information

The SAP Dialogue is a framework under which the European Union and the Kosovo administration regularly discuss technical and policy issues in relation to the European agenda.  The SAP Dialogue monitors and accompanies Kosovo’s delivery on reforms, and identifies how the EU can assist in this process. Sectoral and plenary SAP Dialogue meetings are co-chaired by the European Union and the government. Each meeting results in jointly agreed follow-up actions to be taken by the Kosovo authorities.
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. These seven sectors are:
– 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
The time between the meetings allows for the implementation of the recommendations and agreed follow-up actions. A plenary meeting, where the reform priorities will be discussed, is expected to take place in July 2015.