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

Brussels, 26 February 2016 – The Kosovo government and European Commission held their annual meeting to discuss Transport, Environment, Energy, Climate and Regional Development in Brussels on 25 February 2016. The discussions took place within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process Dialogue (SAPD).

On the environment, the Commission expressed concern at the limited progress in an area that is of great importance to Kosovo citizens and the quality of their lives.

As concerns climate, Kosovo has yet to start implementing EU legislation to limit climate change and mitigate its consequences. It was agreed that Kosovo needs to start implementing by-laws on greenhouse gas monitoring.

The latest legislative and policy developments in the area of transport were also discussed. 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, continuing reforms in railway sector 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. The Commission 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.

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. Sectorial 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 sectorial 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.  The conclusions of the meetings are public and available on the EU Office’s website and http://www.mei-ks.net.

Last modified: August 11, 2022