GAP and GLPS organized the international conference on “The challenge of the European integration of Kosovo: regional cooperation and neighborly relations”
24/05/2017
GAP Institute and Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) in cooperation with the Austro – French Center for Rapprochement in Europe (CFA) and the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI), today organized the international conference on “The challenge of the European integration of Kosovo: regional cooperation and neighborly relations.”
On 1 April 2016, the Stabilization and Association Agreement between Kosovo and the European Union entered into force, marking a major step towards Kosovo’s political and economic convergence and candidate status. This agreement is the first contractual link between Kosovo and the Union, although it still leaves the question of the non-recognition of the country by five Member States unresolved. In addition to necessary political and economic reforms in public administration, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities as well as free trade, the European integration of Kosovo implies an emphasis on regional cooperation and good neighborly relations.
Overall, the conference was about the difficulties and pushing forces that Kosovo faces during the process of European integration, the progress that the Government of Kosovo has done so far as well as the regional cooperation and neighborly relations with other Western Balkan countries.
Mr. Michael Linhart from the Ministry of Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria, Natalia Apostolova – Head of the EU Office in Prishtina, Anila Statovci – Demaj from the Ministry of European Integration, and Mr. Piero Cristoforo Sardi – Ambassador of Italy to Kosovo, opened the conference with introductory remarks.
The discussion on the first panel was about the progress and challenges of Kosovo towards the European Integration. The panel was led by Mr. Florent Marciacq from the Austro – French Center for Rapprochement in Europe (CFA). Mr. Jeton Mehmeti from GAP Institute spoke on Kosovo’s challenges in meeting the recommendations of the European Commission. Mrs. Albana Merja from GLPS spoke on benefits and obligations that arise from the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Meanwhile, Mr. Jean-Arnault- Derens, editor in chief of Le Courrier des Balkans, spoke about the blockade of European Integration.
The second panel discussed about regional cooperation and cross-border relations. Mr. Adrian Hackaj from the Institute for Cooperation and Development spoke about cooperation between Kosovo and Albania from non-governmental actors. Mrs. Jelica Minic from the European Movement of Serbia spoke on regional co-operation and peace building. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lura Pollozhani from the Center for South East European Studies spoke about the relations between Kosovo and Macedonia. The panel was led by Mr. Tobias Flessenkemper from the International Center for European Training (CIFE). Foreign ambassadors in Kosovo and members of civil society also contributed to the discussion.
The conference was supported by the Embassy of Austria and the Embassy of France in Kosovo.
