Minister Çollaku in a meeting with Parliamentary Commission on European Integration

During the meeting, Minister Çollaku informed the Parliamentary Committee regarding the processes in both, the Stabilisation Association Agreement (SAA) and the implementation of the Visa Liberalization Roadmap.

Minister Çollaku stated that: “The Ministry of European Integration has directed all the focus on two main priorities for this year, not neglecting other obligations which derive from the current mandate and legislation. So there are two MEI main priorities for this year: signing of the SAA and successful conclusion of the dialogue on visa liberalization with the EU “.

Further the minister added that within the SAA, the process is progressing according to the plan provided that the draft agreement is currently in the process of translation into the EU official languages. Specifically, in December 2014, the General Affairs Council of the EU has called for the European Commission to present before the Council, the SAA draft for approval.

SAA is in the process of translation within the European Commission services. This process is expected to be completed by early spring of 2015. Following this process, the SAA will be adopted at the regular meeting of the College of the European Commission. The plan is that in the summer of 2015, the General Affairs Council approve the SAA. Following the approval, the Council authorizes Foreign Representative for signature. After signing, the SAA will be ratified by Kosovo Parliament and the European Parliament.

While, regarding the visa liberalization despite the fact that we have met most of the technical requirements, whether in the adoption of legal and strategic framework, or the consolidation of institutional mechanisms and achievement of other tangible results in all sections of the roadmap, we are aware that there are still some criteria/recommendations that need to be addressed by the responsible institutions in the weeks and months ahead, stated Minister Çollaku.

Minister Çollaku also informed members of the Committee regarding the measures taken by the institutions to prevent irregular migration, as well as other aspects of coordination of the European agenda such as approximation and translation of legislation, coordination of assistance within the Instrument for Pre-Accession IPA, donor coordination, as well as implementation of the strategy for R.A.E. communities.

During the meeting, members of the Committee have asked a series of questions regarding the European agenda and activities of the Ministry of European Integration and the Government, in fulfilling the obligations arising from the European agenda.