Seven years from SAA entry into force between EU, Kosovo

Today, seven years are filled by the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kosovo.

The agreement is the culmination of efforts and dedication in the European agenda of more than a decade and a half of Kosovo institutions, and at the same time presents a new beginning that paves the way, accelerates and reinforces the European integration process with the goal of EU membership.

It was the first contractual agreement between the EU and Kosovo, which was signed on October 27, 2015, and has received the European Parliament's consent and has been ratified in the Kosovo Assembly. The agreement went into effect on April 1, 2016.

The SAA brings many benefits affecting political, economic, rounding legislation, which will result in improving institutions and the business environment, and affect the welfare of all citizens.

As for the political part, Kosovo takes over to implement an even more ambitious agenda of reforms, directed towards political, economic and social development, and on the other hand. The EU vows to enable Kosovo all instruments available, including financial ones, to achieve implementation of these reforms so that our country can meet membership criteria.

Economically, the SAA reinforces economic and trade relations between Kosovo and the EU, gradually creating a free trade zone between the EU and Kosovo.

Among other things, the SAA offers technical and financial support for Kosovo's economic reforms that will lead to reinforceing a functional market economy, which will be able to cope with competitive EU market pressure.

The Kosovo government has seen all these actions through the SAA National Implementation Programme approved by the Kosovo Assembly. This programme is the main national EU accession policy document, and the main goal of the programme is to meet the SAA's obligations within the previous deadlines with this agreement. / KP