Apostolova wants Government formed as soon as possible

The European Union's number one in our country -- Ambassador Apostolova, among other things -- in an interview for Telegrafi -- expects the Government and Parliament to be formed soon as Kosovo must focus on structural reforms in order to improve the lives of its people. Very important, according to it, is the resumption of dialogue with Serbia.

graphy: More than a month has passed since parliamentary elections have been held and the government and institutions have not yet been formed. How did you comment on these delays?

Natalia Apostolova: Early elections in Kosovo have been transparent and well-managed. Election day has been fair, calm, meanwhile, EU observers have praised the process as positive. However, a month after the elections, we still do not have the certificate of results, the CEC is in the process of recounting 60% of polling stations, and this could take weeks.

The government and the Assembly must be formed according to internal procedures, but this process should not be delayed unnecessarily. We hope that the formation of the Government will take place soon, as Kosovo must focus on structural reforms in order to improve the lives of its people.

graphy: What are the EU's expectations in Kosovo for the new government that will be led by Albin Kurti (if only elected prime minister)?

Natalia Apostolova: On 6 October, the people of Kosovo have made clear decisions regarding their leadership. For the EU, it's important that the new government quickly start work ahead. The EU will help Kosovo government as always. We have been working with Kosovo for the European Reform Agency in order to make tangible changes for people. The agenda aims to seize opportunities offered by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (MSA).

More robust economic development is needed in order to provide more jobs. The public administration needs to become more efficient, and also needs to have a strong focus on rule of law to remove corruption. Kosovo, among other things, needs to take more care of the environment and have better education quality in order to be competitive in the EU market. Very important is the resumption of dialogue with Belgrade.

graphy: Is there any European Union project expected to be finalised in the Kosovo Assembly or with new institutions after the elections?

Natalia Apostolova: The European Union supports Kosovo with 100m euros annually. We have over 300 projects in Kosovo, covering all areas of economic and social development, rule of law, etc.

We have also supported local heating for 85,000 houses in Pristina, where they now have first-class and harmless heat for the environment. We plan to do the same in Gjakova for 40 percent of the population. Next year we will begin the project on changing Kosovo's B filters, where it is expected to have a huge positive impact on people's health, as well as on air, water and land pollution.

There are also several new projects in preparation, such as the supply of drinking water in eastern Kosovo through the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans, which is financed mainly by the European Union. At the moment we are only conducting the feasibility study for this project.

Normally, EU assistance should not be taken as guaranteed. If our financial assistance is not backed up by political will and actions, the results will remain limited. We expect the new government to be more determined and take more responsibility.

graphy: The Vetevendosje (LVV) movement and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) are finalising the political agreement for the new Government. Should the Serbian List be included in this government as well?

Natalia Apostolova: The legal framework of the Kosovo Constitution for forming the Government is clear, including the election of Serbian ministers. This practice has existed so far and I expect the new government to respect it.

graphy: How do you assess the possibility that only 12 ministries will be in the Government of Kosovo ? Are these reforms in administration?

Natalia Apostolova: There are several ways to organise the administration and it is up to the Government of Kosovo to decide. 12 ministries is an option. With the adoption of the new law on the functioning and organisation of public administration and independent agencies in February 2019, there is a need for revising the internal organisations of all ministries, as soon as relevant secondary legislation is adopted.

If the new government decides to lower the number of ministries, then these should be in line. It is important for the European Union to have effective institutions that respond to the needs of the population.

Institutions that have the capacity to implement reforms that are part of the SAA agreement and the European Reform Agreement, which are as guides for Kosovo's development and its path towards Europe.

graphy: There are many statements from the current government that at the end of the year we will have the date for visa liberalisation. How do you comment?

Natalia Apostolova: I fully understand Kosovars' expectations for visa liberalisation. The process is long and complex, where all European institutions are involved in a certain phase. The European Commission has only declared that Kosovo has fulfilled all criteria for visa liberalisation.

The European Parliament has supported the Commission's proposal for visa liberalisation in March of last year. The proposal is now awaiting member states at the Council of the European Union. The proposal should be dealt with objectively and urgently. It is also important that Kosovo demonstrate continuing efforts for rule of law, migration and security in order to prepare a positive context for the final decision of EU member states.