Minister Hoxha: Let’s push forward the reforms by reaching a national consensus

Prishtina, 20 April 2018 – It is the right time for everyone to understand their role in the European integration process no matter what function they exercise. We have the country report and the challenges identified, and we also have the European Reform Agenda and the SAA as guiding documents. Let’s reach a national consensus on all issues and reforms that are part of these documents and move forward, Minister Hoxha emphasized during the Kosovo Assembly’s Extraordinary Session on the European Commissions’ Country Report.

 

During the Extraordinary Session initiated by MPs with regard to the Country Report, as the most important document of the European Commission for the country, the Minister of European Integration, Dhurata Hoxha, considered the report as fair and positive even in terms of comparison with the other Western Balkan countries.

 

Minister Hoxha briefly mentioned the achievements indicated in the report, such as the 2017 Elections, the Adoption of the Law on Ratification of Demarcation, the Progress in the Public Administration Reform and in the review of independent agencies and bodies, the Progress in implementing the 2015 legal package, Integration of Serbian judges and prosecutors into Kosovo’s justice, etc.

 

Minister Hoxha underlined that there is progress in combating corruption and organized crime by addressing the targeted cases, including the last-instance decisions, as well as the preliminary seizures related to such cases. There was progress in combatting terrorism, in the measures to combat violent extremism and radicalism and to prevent citizens from joining conflicts in third countries.

 

The Minister said the Report notes that there is a pluralistic and dynamic media environment in Kosovo, we have very good results in the field of economic development, the business environment has improved, the government has complied with the fiscal rule for the budget deficit, export has increased, there is progress in improving road infrastructure, in the measures for good and constructive bilateral relations with the countries of the region, in Kosovo’s engagement in the dialogue on normalization of relations, in freedom of movement of goods and services, in taxes, customs, procurement, competition and in the management of legal and illegal migration.

 

“We need to see and treat the report objectively, just as it is. No one can deny the achievements and progress the European Commission mentions in the report. However, we should also talk about the challenges that are specified in the report”, Minister Hoxha pointed out, while taking about the challenges of the report.

 

According to the Minister, the report has identified as a challenge the fragmentation and persistent political polarization, negatively affecting the role of the Assembly and influencing the effectiveness of the Government. Inadmissible actions by a number of MPs during the reporting period, such as the use of tear gas, have hindered the work of the Assembly.

 

“There are concerns regarding politicization of the administration, work needs to be done to increase judicial capacity and eliminate political influence, institutions should be more effective in combating money laundering. The legal framework guarantees the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in accordance with European standards, however, additional efforts are needed with regard to its implementation. Other challenges include the informal economy, the increase of unemployment which has mainly affected women, young people and unskilled workers, improvement of the quality of education, addressing of skills gaps in the labour market and addressing of environmental issues”, emphasized the Minister.

 

“We need to focus on strengthening the enforcement of laws, the implementation of administration reform, the advancement of employment and education policies, the continuation of the fight against organized crime and corruption”, emphasized Minister Hoxha, calling for reaching a national consensus on reforms and processes which are part of our path towards integration.

 

“No draft law, reform or other process should be stalled because of political or political parties’ contradictions. It is the right time for everyone to understand their role in the European integration process no matter what function they exercise. We have the country report and the challenges identified, and we also have the European Reform Agenda and the SAA as guiding documents. Let’s reach a national consensus on all issues and reforms that are part of these documents and move forward”, said Minister Hoxha.

 

Last modified: August 9, 2022