Kosovo: A more detailed route towards EU integration
Overview:
The European Commission (EC) has published two documents on Kosovo seeking to map a route towards eventual visa liberalization and a trade agreement without prejudging its status (only 22 of 27 EU countries acknowledge its independence). The EC has issued a Progress Report on Kosovo parallel to those issued for prospective EU Accession candidates and a separate document – Kosovo: Fulfilling its European Perspective – that proposes drawing up a series of benchmarks to help EU “approximation”. Kosovo has made progress in advancing its legal framework but major problems remain with respect to the Rule of Law (especially in the north) and the fight against corruption and organised crime. Administrative capacity must be strengthened and protection of/dialogue with minorities improved.