These are key findings of Kosovo Progress Report

As for Kosovo, Moghrin has only mentioned implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (MSA) and the dialogue that is developing with Serbia, not providing further details on Kosovo's progress on the road towards visa liberalisation.

Political criteria

Kosovo held early elections in June 2017. The Assembly and the new government were formed in September. So far, however, the new ruling coalition has had limited success in bringing reforms linked to the European Union (BE) and building consensus on key strategic issues for Kosovo.

Consistent political fragmentation and polarisation have negatively affected the role of the Parliament and impacted the government's effective work. During the reporting period, unacceptable action has taken place by MPs, such as using tear gas, which have halted parliamentary work. However, ratification of the Demarketing Agreement with Montenegro in March 2018 was significant progress.

Keeping general and municipal elections during 2017 was generally well managed. However, fear forms of candidates not belonging to the Serbian List raised concerns. The investigation into the Serbian politician's assassination in Kosovo, Oliver Ivanovic, in January 2018, is continuing.

Attempts by MPs in December 2017 to abolish the Law on Specialised Chambers and Special Prosecutors have raised serious concerns. It is essential that Kosovo fully fulfil its international obligations regarding the Specialists' Chambers and the Prosecutor's Prosecution and show full devotion to these institutions.

Some advances are made especially with the review of agencies and (half) independent organs. The continued politicisation of public administration remains a concern and negatively affects the efficiency and professional independence of public administration.

Kosovo's judicial system is in an early phase. Some advances have been made in implementing the 2015 law package. Integration of Kosovo Serb judges and prosecutors and their support personnel into the Kosovo judicial system was a major achievement of 2017. The judiciary is still vulnerable to unnecessary political influences, and rule of law institutions require continued efforts to build their capacities. Management justice remains slow and inefficient.

Kosovo is in an early phase/there is a level of preparation in the fight against corruption. It has made some progress in prosecuting high-level corruption and cases of organised crime, including final sentences. Progress has also been made in preliminary seizures of assets, even though seizures remain low. Corruption is widespread and remains an issue of concern. Joint efforts are needed to address this problem in a comprehensive and strategic manner.

Kosovo is at an early stage in the fight against organised crime. Several advances have been made regarding high-level corruption and cases of organised crime. While there are more preliminary seizures of tools, there are still several final sentences, financial investigations and final seizures of property. Law enforcement agencies are struggling effectively to fight organised crime in northern Kosovo. Some advances were made in the fight against terrorism, including measures to fight extremism and violent radicalism and to prevent citizens from joining conflicts abroad. Kosovo authorities must be more effective in their efforts to fight money laundering, and the relevant law must be in line with EU standards and international standards.

The legal framework in general guarantees the protection of fundamental human rights in line with European standards. However, additional efforts regarding implementation are needed. The implementation of human rights strategies and legislation is often marred by inadequate financial resources and other resources, especially at the local level, limited political priority and lack of co-ordination.

More needs to be done to effectively guarantee the rights of minority persons, including Roma and Ashkali and displaced persons, to ensure gender equality, to create an integrated system of child protection and to advance protection of cultural heritage.

Kosovo has a level of preparation in the area of freedom of expression, and there has been no progress during the reporting period. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Constitution, and Kosovo benefits from a pluralistic and living media environment. However, threats and attacks against journalists have continued. The Assembly has shown limited commitment in finding a solution to the stable financing of public broadcaster (RTK), leaving it in political pressure.

Authorities have made progress in managing regular and irregular migration. It still takes effort.

Economic criteria

Kosovo has made good progress and is at an early stage of developing a functional market economy. The business environment has improved and the government has respected the fiscal rule for the budget deficit, however, the benefits of war veterans continue to pose a challenge to public finances.

The informal economy remains widespread. Increasing the labor force's participation rate did not match by benefits in employment, so unemployment rates increase. This especially affected women and young people and unqualified workers. Despite strong export growth, the high trade deficit reflects a poor production base.

EU legislation

Kosovo has made several advances and is in an early phase in terms of capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU. No progress has been made in improving the quality of education and addressing skills gaps in the labour market.

Kosovo has made some progress in improving road infrastructure, but major infrastructure gaps remain in the railway and energy sectors. Structural changes in the economy are slow as they remain dependent on the retail trade sector. Integration with the EU is hampered by the slow implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

Kosovo has continued efforts to maintain good and constructive bilateral relations with other countries. It is represented in most regional organisations under the Agreement on Regional Representative Agreement agreed on between Pristina and Belgrade in 2012.

As for normalising relations with Serbia, Kosovo has remained committed to dialogue. However, Kosovo must make further efforts and contribute to the creation of circumstances that help fully normalise relations with Serbia.

As far as European standards are concerned, Kosovo is in an early phase. The legislative scope has continued in several areas, but implementation is weak.

Some progress has been made in the area of free movement of goods and services, public procurement and competition, as well as in improving the business environment. Progress has also been made in revenue collection and simplifying administrative procedures, but Kosovo must step up the fight against informal economy and tax evasion. The energy sector continues to face serious challenges. No progress has been achieved to address environmental issues.