an hour agoKosovo Progress Report published: Dialogue, Corruption, and Often Elections Named
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)Kosovo must engage constructively and make further substitute efforts in “implementation of all past agreements” reached within dialogue with Serbia and “contributes to reaching a comprehensive, legally binding agreement for normalising relations with Serbia”, the European Commission said in the Progress Report. [...]
According to the EC, such an agreement is urgent and essential so that Kosovo and Serbia can progress on their path to the EU.
The report said political instability and pandemic influenced progress in implementing the agenda of Kosovo's European reforms, which according to the document has been limited.
Therefore, the European Commission calls on Kosovo institutions to approach the implementation of the European agenda with priority.
Kosovo's Progress Report stresses political instability in Kosovo. It also mentions the February parliamentary elections and the formation of the Kosovo government in March, but notes that in most of the period that includes this report, there has been a “the polarizing political atmosphere”.
The EC also highlights the situation in northern Kosovo, with regards to corruption, organised crime and conditions for freedom of expression, and it is said that the situation in this part is still challenging.
The European Union says Kosovo has some level of preparation in the fight against corruption, but is in early stages.
“During the reporting period, limited progress has been made, including investigations and trial of high-level cases”, the EC points out. Similarly, limited progress has been made in the fight against organised crime.
The European Commission, however, said Kosovo has made progress in the fight against terrorism, “particularly in the rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign fighters and their families”.
However, the European Commission has criticism of the judicial system, as the administration of justice is estimated to continue to be the slow, inefficient and sensitive “to political influences”. As a positive point, the Strategy for Rule of the Law has been seen, and the Action Plan, which was adopted in August 2021.
But Kosovo's intentions to veto the judiciary only once has been seen with “concern” from the EC.
The report also speaks of the progress Kosovo has made in improving road infrastructure and increasing investments in renewable energy, but “coal-based energy sources continue to be disturbing”.
The EC has again said that reform in public administration is urgent. / REL
