Prishtina, 28 June 2013
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo welcomes today’s decision of the European Council to start negotiations for a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union.
Today’s decision represents the first official step toward our journey to membership of the European Union.
The SAA is the first contractual agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union which provides a clear perspective for Kosovo’s full membership of the EU, and it is the most advanced form of association that a potential candidate country can have with the European Union.
The agreement provides a strategic framework for the general social, political and economic development of a country aspiring to EU membership. In addition, this agreement represents a legal framework that provides stability and security to investors, and thus creates a healthy basis for foreign direct investment and job creation.
The start of negotiations between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union definitively anchors Kosovo’s integration process and also further consolidates the international legal position of our country.
The SAA represents a step closer to reaching the status of candidate country, which will facilitate a wider framework to benefit from EU financial assistance.
Today’s decision to open SAA negotiations is the merit of all institutions of the Republic of Kosovo and the entire political spectrum, and this confirms the progress reached in undertaking political, economic and legal reforms in the Republic of Kosovo.
“Tomorrow, at 12:00, the Minister of European Integration, Ms. Vlora Citaku will hold a press conference regarding today’s decision of the European Council to start SAA negotiations.”
Last modified: July 31, 2022