Nine years after the SAA entered into force, what effect did it have on Kosovo’s economy?
It has been nine years since the entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kosovo, one of the most important agreements for the country after the declaration of independence. This agreement has opened new opportunities for the development of Kosovo, but according to economic experts, the opportunities it has offered have not been used in the most efficient way by Kosovo institutions, reports KosovaPress.
According to them, the SAA has had an extraordinary importance for the development of Kosovo, not only in the political and economic aspects, but also in the geostrategic one. Economic expert, Safet Gerxhaliu, sees this agreement as a great opportunity to advance many aspects of the state, including economic integration and increased trade. However, he criticizes Kosovo institutions for not taking advantage of the opportunities this partnership offered.
He also states that the EU’s sanctioning measures against Kosovo are evidence of the failure of Kosovo institutions to benefit from this partnership, he writes. KosovaPress.
On the other hand, Blerina Istrefi from the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) states that so far only 50 percent of the commitments foreseen by the SAA have been implemented, but, as she says, it is insufficient considering the role and influence of the SAA towards the economic field in Kosovo.
“Regarding the Stabilization and Association Agreement, we can say that so far about 50 percent of the implementation plan has been fulfilled, however, it is insufficient considering the role and impact of the SAA towards the economic field in Kosovo. Every year, therefore, Kosovo has obligations that arise and emerge from this agreement, but considering the fact that from June 2023, the implementation of these measures has been suspended due to the measures we have. That is, we are under EU measures. Also, this suspension has come as a result of the failure to hold meetings with the EU, despite this, Kosovo has unilaterally given up on implementing some of the obligations arising from the SAA, “she says.
The agreement is the culmination of more than a decade and a half of efforts and commitment to the European agenda of Kosovo’s institutions, and at the same time represents a new beginning that paves the way for, accelerates and strengthens the process of European integration with the aim of EU membership.
This was the first contractual agreement between the EU and Kosovo, which was signed on 27 October 2015 and received the consent of the European Parliament and was ratified by the Assembly of Kosovo. The agreement entered into force on 1 April 20216.
The SAA brings many benefits that affect the political, economic and legislative alignment levels, which as a result will improve institutions and the business environment, and will also affect the well-being of all citizens.
As for the political part, Kosovo undertakes to implement an even more ambitious reform agenda, directed towards political, economic and social development, and on the other hand, the EU pledges to provide Kosovo with all the instruments it has in available, including financial ones, to achieve the implementation of these reforms, so that our country fulfills the membership criteria.
From an economic point of view, the SAA strengthens economic and trade relations between Kosovo and the EU by gradually creating a free trade area between the EU and Kosovo, reports KosovaPress.
https://kosovapress.com/nente-vjet-nga-hyrja-ne-fuqi-e-msa-se-ndermjet-be-se-dhe-kosoves