Around 60 million euros in pre-financing from the European Union, foreseen within the framework of the Growth Plan for Kosovo, have not yet been disbursed, although the agreements were ratified two weeks ago in the Assembly.
The European Union confirms that Kosovo has submitted a request for the release of these funds and that they are completing the procedures. Both ruling and opposition MPs are awaiting the arrival of these millions for Kosovo.
A spokesperson for the European Commission tells KosovaPress when the first funds for Kosovo will be disbursed.
Among other things, in his response to our agency, several political criteria are also emphasized, such as the necessity of respecting democratic mechanisms and constructive engagement in the process of normalizing relations with Serbia.
“Kosovo has submitted a request for the release of pre-financing of up to 7% of the total amount foreseen under this Instrument. Now that the agreements related to the Reform and Growth Instrument have been ratified, Kosovo is entitled to receive the pre-financing. Once these laws are officially promulgated and communicated to the Commission, and provided that the general conditions (macroeconomic stability, sound management of public finances, transparency and budgetary oversight) and preconditions (respect and implementation of democratic mechanisms, as well as constructive engagement in the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo) are met, the disbursement of funds under the Growth Plan can take place,” his response states.
Regarding other financial means, the European Commission emphasizes that Kosovo has until June 30 to fulfill 13 foreseen reforms, as this date marks the end of the allowed period. Failure to successfully report within the deadline risks losing this part of the funding.
“Regarding regular payment requests, we remind you that Kosovo has until June 30 of this year to fulfill the 13 reforms, as this date marks the end of the grace period. If Kosovo fails to successfully report within the deadline, it risks losing this portion of funding,” his response states.
From the parliamentary majority, the Vetëvendosje Movement MP, Driton Hyseni, tells KosovaPress that the institutions are interested in the funds being disbursed as soon as possible, acknowledging that the process has been delayed due to the political stalemate in the country.
He underlines the need for concrete projects and fulfillment of criteria, so that Kosovo can secure other funds foreseen in the Growth Plan.
“We as Kosovo are interested in such funds being disbursed as soon as possible, as they have been delayed due to the political impasse we have in the country. However, it is good that we are at this stage that we have the necessary institutional decision-making and I believe that EU officials will soon allocate these funds. But not only these funds, as we must also react with projects that must be submitted and the criteria must be met as a country in order to receive the other funds foreseen in the Growth Plan,” he declares.
On the other hand, the deputy of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Time Kadrijaj, considers it necessary to vote on the agreements in the Assembly, emphasizing that their non-approval would bring financial losses to the country. She asks the Government to have clarity in the budget allocation process and to determine the priorities on where the obtained funds will be directed.
“It’s good that they were voted on, as we would have lost a lot if they had not been voted on in the Assembly. We have missed the deadline for the Growth Plan. The Government must now take into account the processes and divisions of where that budget will be allocated,” she emphasizes.
On February 13, the new legislature of the Assembly of Kosovo ratified international agreements with the European Union.
The Growth Plan is a new EU framework for accelerating reforms for European integration of the entire region, which combines reforms with direct financial contributions from EU funds to the budgets of beneficiary countries and investment projects.
With the implementation of these reforms, Kosovo will benefit from up to 882,6 million euros in EU funds. Of this total amount, 253,3 million euros are grants, while the remaining 629,3 million euros are long-term loans. /KP/