Minister Çitaku in the press conference on the European Council’s decision to launch negotiations for a SAA

Yesterday leaders of the member states of the European Union have approved the opening of negotiations for Stabilisation Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kosovo.

During more than a decade, the Republic of Kosovo has been faced with many challenges. We have gone a long way. Coming out of the fight for freedom from a tyrannical regime, and building a functioning democracy, with stable institutions and a free market economy, where freedom of speech, religion, and other fundamental rights are guaranteed. This has not been an easy journey. However, we managed it.

Today, we are in front of a new dawn for the Republic of Kosovo, European Integration era.

SAA is the first contractual agreement between Republic of Kosovo and European Union that provides a clear perspective towards full membership of Kosovo in the European Union.

Through the agreement, both parties will make mutual commitment: on one hand, our country to undertake even deeper reforms, and on the other hand the EU will provide a real opportunity for membership.

I welcome the confirmation by the Commissioner Stefan Fule that the Commission has received a broad mandate to negotiate an SAA with all its elements, including political dialogue, issues of economic development and trade aspect, sections dealing with the Justice, Freedom and Security as well as a number of other important issues.

Also, this agreement presents a legal framework that provides stability and certainty for investors, and as such creates a sound basis for foreign direct investment and generation of work places.

Launching of negotiations between the Republic of Kosovo and the EU finally anchors Kosovo`s integration process and also further consolidates the international legal status of our state.

SAA is a step closer to achieving candidate status, which will enable broader framework for benefits from the EU financial assistance.

Honoured,

Looking at the EU enlargement background in the Western Balkans, the negotiations have lasted an average of 1-3 years. But we are ready to negotiate this agreement in a short timeframe.

However, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo in terms of negotiations will be led based on the principles of the general social interest in order to accelerate the European agenda and economic interests in order to protect local economy.

Opening of the negotiations finds the Government of the Republic of Kosovo well prepared. In December last year has been adopted the Action Plan for SAA. In February, we adopted the negotiating structure and for several months we are in intensive phase of capacity building of state institutions.  Short term criteria have been fulfilled regarding the rule of law, public administration, business affairs and minority protection. Thus, yesterday’s decision of the European Council for the launching of negotiations on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement is not a gift to the Kosovo institutions, but it came as the result and the merit for fulfilling the strict criteria.

All these are merits of the institutions of Republic of Kosovo and the entire political spectrum, simultaneously confirms the achieved progress in undertaking political, economic and legal reforms in the Republic of the Kosovo.

END