Minister Hoxha: Integration is not an option, it is our only path

Prishtina, 22 September 2017 – The Minister of European Integration, Dhurata Hoxha and Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, chaired today the meeting of the Ministerial Council for European Integration. The topic of discussion was European integration process of Kosovo, namely, implementation of the European Reform Agenda (ERA).

At this meeting relevant ministers and executive directors discussed about the achievements and challenges within the implementation of European agenda. At the same time, it was also discussed about the challenges faced by respective institutions and line ministries. It was also discussed about the identified priority objectives that need to be fulfilled in the shortest possible period for the purpose of meeting the criteria.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj stated: “;Recently, I addressed my colleague ministers, I sent letters to them and I referred to the demands of the European Reform Agenda that derive from the SAA, which for us are mandatory. Kosovo needs within the upcoming timeframe to implement these duties. Ministers should conduct accurate reporting, as well as other institutions that were assigned the duties, so that we can prove that the implementation of the SAA is a process that is happening”. Whereas, Minister Hoxha emphasized the importance of the European integration process and stated that this is not an alternative but it is the only path we have chosen and we must perform our duties in order to progress. In this regard, our priority is to fulfil the obligations deriving from the European Reform Agenda, stated among others, Minister Hoxha.

“;The role of the Ministerial Council is of crucial importance in this process and we have a lot of work to do, especially considering the fact that the Council has not conveyed since May 2013 and also having in mind that we are late and have fulfilled small portion of the obligations of the Reform Agenda”;, stated Minister Hoxha.

Regarding the EU Programs, after the entry into force of the Framework Agreement, Minister Hoxha stressed that Kosovo institutions have taken the decision to apply for membership in 4 programs. I will make sure that all the necessary steps are taken in order to conclude the negotiations for membership in ERASMUS, COSME, Europe for Citizens and Creative Europe. Participation in these programs will bring students, academia, businesses, civil society as well as artistic and creative community closer to the European Union, said Minister Hoxha.

Minister Hoxha also spoke about the Stabilization and Association Agreement through which Kosovo for the first time entered into contractual relations with the European Union, and this should be considered not only a success, but also as an incentive so the same can be implemented successfully, so Kosovo can continue its path towards the European Union. Also, the entry into force of the Framework Agreement for Access to EU Programs, which also opened the doors for further cooperation and reaffirms the European Union as the largest development partner for Kosovo.

“;I will take all measures to ensure that all institutions, especially the Ministries to be aware of their priorities and to provide support to MEI in this process. On this occasion, I kindly ask you to work together and each Ministry to conclude as soon as possible the obligations deriving from ERA priorities”;, said Minister Hoxha.

Afterwards, followed the reporting from ministers of relevant ministries, agency directors, heads of institutions and officials responsible for specific segments of integration process.

Last modified: August 10, 2022