Apostolova: The appointment of war criminals to high positions is disappointing

The head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Natalia Apostolova, has commented today on the Progress Report for Kosovo.

She said at a media conference that EU representatives' orders were clear, as there are areas where progress has been made, but there are also many areas where progress is needed.

“Let me give you the congratulations. With today's enlargement package, the European Commission confirms its commitment to enlargement, but we have also confirmed that there is no shortcut to the EU, but there are still gaps. This report, compared with last year, offers a greater fulfillment. It is a direct assessment of Kosovo. It shows it gives credit to achieved progress. The government has shown progress in meeting the legislative package adopted in February, in public administration and reforming salaries. Improvements have been made in finance, and this shows that Kosovo has the capacity to meet reforms. Now is the time to have tangible results, to have a stronger and judicial economy”, she said.

Apostolova has also referred to the negative findings of the Progress Report, which concern the ongoing challenges Kosovo faces.

“The selection of the Assembly is undermined by delays in legislative activities, lack of quorum. Government decisions are often not in line with it. The 100 percent tariff is not beneficial, and we hope that it will soon be exceeded. The appointment of war criminals to high positions is a disappointment and against European values. In education, much more political commitment is needed. As far as the environment is concerned, we see great commitment is needed and Kosovo institutions must work much more seriously”, she said.