Pristina, 14 March 2019 – Officials from Kosovo and the European Commission met in Prishtina to discuss developments over the past year in the areas of Energy, Environment, Climate, Transport and Regional Development. The discussion was held in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) which entered into force in April 2016. In all areas, the Commission and Kosovo agreed on the importance of implementing the European Reform Agenda and Economic Reform Program priorities as well as the recommendations from the Commission’s 2018 Report on Kosovo and the recommendations of the relevant SAA Sub-committees.
As regards energy, the Commission welcomed the adoption of the Energy Strategy Action Programme 2018-2020 and stressed the importance of its implementation. This should clearly define Kosovo’s priorities in this sector, including plans on meeting international commitments such as the 3rd Energy Package and the decommissioning of TPP Kosova A and refurbishing of TPP Kosova B power plant. As regards TPP Kosova e Re, the Commission stressed the important risks relating to its financing, construction and possible environmental, social and fiscal impact. The Commission expressed concern at continued delays in approving the Compulsory oil stockholding law.
The Commission welcomed the adoption of the law on energy efficiency and establishment of the energy efficiency fund, nonetheless underlined the importance of adoption of secondary legislation deriving from energy efficiency law as well as the functionalization of Energy Efficiency Fund. In boosting efforts to reach renewable energy targets, the Commission invited Kosovo to ensure the adoption and implementation of its revised renewable energy action plan.
On the environment, the Commission expressed concern at limited progress in this area which is of great importance to Kosovo citizens and the quality of their health and lives. In particular, the Commission inquired about progress on real time air quality monitoring and asked for implementation of immediate measures to reduce the levels of air pollution.
As concerns climate action, Kosovo has adopted the Strategy and Action Plan on Climate Change, but needs to start its implementation.
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 transport network for the Western Balkans. Both sides agreed on the need to continue reforms, including strengthening the independence and capacities of regulatory institutions in the transport sector. Car homologation remains an issue that needs to be addressed urgently by Kosovo authorities. As concerns road safety, while aligning its legislation with the EU acquis, Kosovo needs to take concrete measures to improve road safety, in the interest of citizens.
Finally, on regional development, the Commission stressed the importance of approving the strategy on balanced regional development.
Background information
• The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) is the framework for the EU and the Kosovo administration to regularly discuss technical and policy issues in relation to the European agenda. The SAA bodies include the Stabilisation and Association Council, assisted by the Stabilisation and Association Committee, as well as SAA Sub-Committees, which cover a wide range of the EU acquis. The meetings of the SAA bodies provide direct input into the European Commission’s annual reports.
• Each Sub-Committee meeting monitors and accompanies Kosovo’s delivery on reforms and identifies how the EU can assist in this process.
• There are seven areas covered through sectorial meetings of sub-Committees, 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, Food Safety; Transport, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Regional Development; Economic and Financial Issues, Statistics.
• Two other areas covered through the meetings of special groups are the reform of the public administration and normalisation of relations with Serbia.
SA Committee and Sub-Committee meetings are co-chaired by the European Commission and Kosovo. Each meeting results in jointly agreed follow-up actions to be taken by the Kosovo authorities. The conclusions from the meetings will be available soon on the websites of the EU Office in Kosovo and Ministry of European Integration.
For more information, contact:
European Union Office: Safet Kabashaj 049 787 946
Ministry for European Integration: Gëzim Dushi, 044 207 981
Last modified: August 5, 2022
