Kosovo government and European Commission discussed on social and employment policies, education, research and information society

With regard to audiovisual policy and media freedom, it was noted that Kosovo is very late in preparation for digital switch over, and unlikely to meet the internationally agreed deadline of June 2015 for switchover in all European countries. Kosovo was encouraged to adopt measures to implement the process in the shortest possible timeframe and to avoid that the delay causes interference with the neighbouring countries. It is positive that the Assembly is finalising the process of appointing two new members to the Independent Media Council, and with this completing its Council. The Kosovo Assembly representatives reported that they are engaging in finding ways for a sustainable funding of the public broadcaster, to ensure its financial and editorial independence.

On telecommunications it was noted that no new developments have taken place to ensure that the Telecom regulator is a financially and organizational independent institution. Kosovo Government was encouraged to appoint a new Board for the regulator and ensure a transparent process to ensure that competent professionals are appointed to the new board.

On employment, Kosovo gave an update on the legislative calendar. Parties also agreed that there is a need to create a synergy between various state agencies, laws and strategies, to ensure that there is an increase of employment opportunities and an increased support by Kosovo for employment promotion measures. The European Commission was keen to be informed on the new Investment and Development Fund and concrete ways how this Fund will help in reducing unemployment, including the concrete criteria for distribution of the Funds among private businesses. With regard to the progress and obstacles in enforcing the labour law it was noted that there was no progress in addressing the issue of insufficient number of labour inspectors. This concerns also the situation on health and safety at work.

With regard to social welfare the European Commission stressed the need for Kosovo to support the advancement of the process for the decentralisation of the social services. To ensure effective implementation of social service decentralisation the European Commission stressed the importance of amending the Local Government Finance Law in order to confirm allocation of a municipal budget for social service provision.

On the protection and promotion of cultural heritage it is important to continue to implement legislation related to the protection of religious and cultural heritage and to ensure that the Implementation and Monitoring Council continues to function well. The European Commission noted the establishment of the Village Council of Velika Hoča/Hoçë e Madhe in Rahovec/Orahovac and emphasized the need to provide adequate support for the Cultural Heritage Council in Prizren.

On education the Commission stressed again the importance for Kosovo to prioritise quality assurance at all levels from pre-school to university education, including by providing the necessary funding. Accurate data as the basis for future policies is essential. Access to quality education for children with disabilities and minority communities needs to be strengthened. Kosovo should advance legislative and other means and mechanisms to considerably improve quality assurance in higher education and scientific research. Kosovo should also assure adherence to objective and proper implementation of rules governing staff engagement and career development in the higher education sector. The Commission noted that there were some attempts in this direction undertaken by the new management of the University of Pristina and encouraged the Government to support the management in this regard.

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 sectorial meetings and they follow closely the format of the dialogue that the EU has with other candidates and potential candidates. The sectorial 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.
– Sectorial 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.