Speech of Prime Minister Hashim Thaci in the fourth plenary meeting of the Dialogue on the Stabilization and Association Process
Good morning everyone
Dear Mr. Korte,
Dear Mr. Zbogar
Dear Ambassadors
Dear Deputy,
Honorable Ministers,
Honorable Ms. Minister Çitaku
Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen,
Initially I would like to welcome everyone to the fourth plenary meeting of the Dialogue on the Stabilization and Association Process.
Now, four years on, the plenary meeting served as a powerful forum for exchanging, direction and prioritization of European reforms in all areas of our state functioning.
I want to first thank all institutions for their commitment and dedication to this process, not only during this round but throughout the four years of the joint mechanism between Kosovo and the European Commission. Derived results are undeniable, and all institutional and social actors share a common merit.
Today, once again I welcome the decision of the heads of Member States of the European Union, which, based on the European Commission’s recommendation submitted in April, paved the way for the start of negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the European Union and our country.
This decision is a milestone for the relationship between the EU and Kosovo.
The SAA will be the first contractual agreement that provides clear perspective towards full membership of Kosovo in the European Union.
Both sides will make mutual commitments: on the one hand, our country shall undertake even deeper reforms, and on the other, the European Union shall provide a real opportunity for membership.
It is encouraging that we have in front of us an ambitious text that will include all the traditional elements of the SAA as for other countries in the region, including political dialogue, trade terms, policy cooperation, parts dealing with Justice, Freedom and Security and a number of other important issues.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo is prepared to commence as soon as possible the SAA negotiations. In the last year we adopted the SAA Action Plan. In February 2013, we adopted the negotiating structure and have already reached the stage of intensive capacity building of state institutions.
This is why I believe you will hear more details today by the institutions and officials responsible.
Even this year we had a round of seven DSAP meetings that involved all sectors and all institutions. We have also held a special meeting on the reform of public administration.
Public administration reform continues to be one of the main priorities of the Government.
Following the adoption of the legislative package in the field of modern public administration, we are in the process of restructuring the entire central and local institutions and from January 1st we will begin with the implementation of the new payroll system.
The new system will encourage the establishment of performance and meritocracy in the civil service.
Honorable participants,
The challenges before us are many, but they are not insurmountable.
Concrete evidence is meeting in a record time the short-term criteria for starting SAA negotiations in the rule of law, public administration, trade and protection of minorities.
Also let me say a few words about the electoral reform process, as another achievement inspired by the criteria of the European agenda.
Elections are one of the topics that will certainly continue to be the subject of our reform agenda. Recently we have undertaken together a huge positive step in setting the date of the local elections in November.
Yesterday I also submitted the request to Baroness Ashton for significant monitoring by the European Union of November 3rd elections. It was a unanimous demand of the opposition and the ruling coalition at the joint meeting during lunch.
These elections will be held for the first time over the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo. Electoral reform has progressed so far and we agreed on a number of specific issues, but of course there are still some details to be agreed upon in the coming weeks.
Honorable Mr. Korte,
Honorable participants,
Before announcing this meeting officially opened and pass the floor to Mr. Korte, I must once again reaffirm our commitment to the European agenda, emphasizing the benefits of the Stabilization and Association Process with the EU is bringing to further consolidation of the institutions of the country, but also the benefits that directly affect the well-being of the citizens of our country.
It really is a great work that is being done, and the newly acquired momentum should be used to take the process forward, so that the people of Kosovo feel really part of the European family.
The negotiation of the SAA will bring new economic opportunities in Kosovo – we will have increased exchange of goods and services with the EU, the competitive pressure will push enterprises towards more efficiency in order to provide better services, with the most competitive prices.
Finally, the European Commission again proved a true friend of Kosovo, and as a powerful engine of the enlargement policy is giving us support in pushing reforms in our country, and ensuring that the enlargement policy of the European Union will not be just a statement on paper.
Honorable participants,
I believe that we are all well aware of the political challenges that must be overcome in order for Kosovo to reconfirm its deserved place in the European integration process.
So we are grateful for the hard work and support of Commissioner Füle, the EU representatives here in Kosovo, but also for the services of the Commission at the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Mr. Korte.
Once again I want to stress that Kosovo is committed to European integration, this is the only way, this is the will of the citizens of Kosovo, this is the vision of Kosovo politics. Not only historically and geographically, but also in its political vision, Kosovo has been European and aspires to remain part of the European family.
Thank you for your attention and wish you all a fruitful and constructive meeting.
Last modified: July 31, 2022