Proposal for a Council Decision on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia including Kosovo as defined by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2006/56/EC
Date: 2007-11-06
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Kosovo, Serbia, accession criteria, accession to the European Union, association agreement (EU), cooperation policy, enlargement of the Union

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 6.11.2007 
COM(2007) 660 final 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with 
Serbia including Kosovo as defined by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 
of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2006/56/EC 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The  Thessaloniki  European  Council  of  19  and  20  June  2003  endorsed  the  "Thessaloniki 
Agenda for the Western Balkans", which introduced the partnerships as a means of realising 
the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries.  

On  30  January  2006  the  Council  adopted  the  revised  European  Partnership  for  Serbia  and 
Montenegro,  including  Kosovo  under  UNSCR  1244,  based  on  the  Commission's  proposal 
presented  on  9  November  2005.  The  partnerships  contain  short–term  and  medium–term 
priorities. The countries are expected to fulfil the short–term priorities in one to two years.  

Therefore  the  Commission  considers  it  appropriate  to  present  a  proposal  for  an  updated 
partnership for Serbia including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244. Following its independence in 
June 2006, a new European Partnership for Montenegro was drafted in 2006 and adopted by 
the Council in January 20071. 

This  renewed  partnership  for  Serbia  including  Kosovo  under  UNSCR1244  is  based  on  the 
provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 of 22 March 2004 and takes into account 
the new developments as described in the 2007 Progress Reports. It lists short- and medium-
term priorities for preparations for further integration with the European Union.  

In order to respond to the European Partnership, the competent authorities in Serbia as well as 
Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 should develop a plan with a timetable and specified measures 
the respective authorities intend to take to this end. The Commission will monitor progress in 
implementing the priorities regularly. 

The European Partnership priorities form the basis for programming the financial assistance 
of the Community, which will continue to be provided under relevant financial instruments, in 
particular Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 of 17 July 2006 establishing the Instrument 
for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). 

The  proposed  Council  Decision  has  no  financial  implications.  In  view  of  the  above,  the 
Commission invites the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council Decision. 

1 

OJ L Council decision on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership 
with Montenegro, No 49/2007 (OJ L 20, 27.1.2007, p.16). 

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Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with 
Serbia including Kosovo as defined by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 
of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2006/56/EC 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 

Having  regard  to  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  533/2004  of  22  March  2004  on  the 
establishment of partnerships in the framework of the stabilisation and association process2, as 
amended, and in particular Article 2 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

2 

3 

4 

The Thessaloniki European Council of 19 and 20 June 2003 endorsed the introduction 
of the European Partnerships as a means to materialise the European perspective of the 
Western Balkan countries. 

Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, 
priorities and conditions to be contained in the partnerships, as well as any subsequent 
adjustments.  It  states  also  that  the  follow-up  to  the  European  Partnerships  will  be 
ensured  through  the  mechanisms  established  under  the  stabilisation  and  association 
process, notably by the annual progress reports. 

On 30 January 2006 the Council adopted the second European Partnership with Serbia 
including Kosovo under UNSCR 12443. 

The  Commission’s  Paper  on  enlargement  strategy  and  main  challenges  2006–2007 
indicated that the partnerships would be updated at the end of 2007. 

On 12 June 2006 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 establishing an 
Instrument  for  Pre-accession  Assistance  (IPA)4,  which  renews  the  framework  for 
financial assistance to pre-accession countries. 

OJ  L  86,  24.3.2004,  p.  1.  Regulation  as  last  amended  by  Regulation  (EC)  No  269/2006  (OJ  L  47, 
17.2.2006, p. 7). 
Council Decision 2006/56/EC of 30 January 2006 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained 
in  the  European  Partnership  with  Serbia  and  Montenegro  including  Kosovo  as  defined  by  the  United 
Nations  Security  Council  Resolution  1244  of  10 June  1999  and  repealing  Decision  2004/520/EC 
(OJ L 35, 7.2.2006, p. 32). 
OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 82. 

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(6) 

(7) 

It is therefore appropriate to adopt a revised European Partnership which updates the 
current partnership in order to identify renewed priorities for further work, on the basis 
of the findings of the 2007 Progress Reports on the preparations by Serbia as well as 
Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 for further integration with the European Union. 

In  order  to  prepare  for  further  integration  with  the  European  Union,  the  competent 
authorities  in  Serbia  as  well  as  Kosovo  under  UNSCR  1244  should  develop  a  plan 
with  a  timetable  and  specific  measures  to  address  the  priorities  of  this  European 
Partnership.  

(8) 

Decision 2006/56/EC should therefore be repealed, 

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 

Article 1 

The  principles,  priorities  and  conditions  in  the  European  Partnership  with  Serbia  including 
Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 are set out in Annexes 2 and 3. 

Article 2 

The implementation of the European Partnership shall be examined through the mechanisms 
established under the stabilisation and association process, notably the annual progress reports 
presented by the Commission. 

Decision 2006/56/EC shall be repealed. 

Article 3 

Article 4 

This  Decision  shall  take  effect  on  the  third  day  following  its  publication  in  the  Official 
Journal of the European Union. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

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ANNEX 1: SERBIA - INCLUDING KOSOVO UNDER UNSCR 1244 - EUROPEAN 
PARTNERSHIP 2007 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

The European Council endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to 
realise  the  European  perspective  of  the  Western  Balkan  countries.  The  proposed  revised 
partnership  updates  the  second  one,  on  the  basis  of  the  findings  of  the  2007  Commission 
Progress  Reports  on  Serbia  and  on  Kosovo  under  UNSCR  1244.  It  identifies  new  and 
remaining priorities for action. The new priorities are adapted to the country’s specific needs 
and  stage  of  preparation  and  will  be  updated  as  necessary.  The  authorities  are  expected  to 
develop a plan including a timetable and specific measures intended to address the European 
Partnership  priorities.  The  partnership  also  provides  guidance  for  financial  assistance  to  the 
country. 

2. 

PRINCIPLES 

The stabilisation and association process remains the framework for the European course of 
the Western Balkan countries, all the way to their  future  accession. The priorities identified 
relate  to  the  capacity  to  meet  the  criteria  defined  by  the  Copenhagen  European  Council  of 
1993 and the conditions set by the stabilisation and association process, notably the conditions 
defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997 and 21 and 22 June 1999, the final 
declaration of the Zagreb Summit of 24 November 2000 and the Thessaloniki Agenda. 

3. 

PRIORITIES 

The  priorities  listed  in  this  European  Partnership  have  been  selected  on  the  basis  that  it  is 
realistic to expect that they can be completed or taken substantially forward over the next few 
years.  A  distinction  is  made  between  short-term  priorities,  which  are  expected  to  be 
accomplished within one to two years, and medium-term priorities, which are expected to be 
accomplished  within  three  to  four  years.  The  priorities  concern  both  legislation  and  its 
implementation. 

In view of the need to set priorities, clearly there are other tasks for to be completed which 
may become priorities in any future partnership, also taking into account future progress made 
by Serbia and Kosovo under UNSCR1244. 

Among the short-term priorities, the key ones have been identified and grouped together at the 
beginning  of  the  lists.  The  order  of  these  key  priorities  does  not  imply  a  ranking  in  their 
importance. 

The priorities are listed in Annexes 2 and 3.  

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4. 

PROGRAMMING 

Community assistance under the stabilisation and association process to the Western Balkan 
countries will be  provided  under  the existing financial instruments,  in particular by Council 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1085/2006  (IPA)  and,  for  programmes  adopted  before  2007,  Council 
Regulation  No  2666/2000  of  5  December  2000  (CARDS  regulation)5.  The  financing 
agreements  serve  as  legal  basis  for  the  implementation  of  the  concrete  programmes. 
Accordingly, this Decision will have no financial implications.  

Serbia  including  Kosovo  under  UNSCR  1244  can  also  have  access  to  funding  from  multi-
country and horizontal programmes. 

5. 

CONDITIONALITY 

Assistance  to  the  Western  Balkan  countries  is  conditional  on  progress  on  satisfying  the 
Copenhagen  criteria  and  on  meeting  the  specific  priorities  of  this  European  Partnership. 
Failure to respect these conditions could lead the Council to take appropriate measures on the 
basis  of  Article  21  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1085/2006  or,  in  the  case  of  pre-2007 
programmes,  on  the  basis  of  Article  5  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  2666/2000.  The  assistance  is 
also subject to the conditions defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997, in 
particular  as  regards  the  recipients’  undertaking  to  carry  out  democratic,  economic  and 
institutional reforms. Specific conditions are also included in individual annual programmes. 
The financing decisions will be followed by a financing agreement signed with the relevant 
authorities. 

6. 

MONITORING 

Implementation of the European Partnership will be examined by the mechanisms established 
under  the  stabilisation  and  association  process,  notably  the  annual  reports  presented  by  the 
Commission. 

5 

OJ L 306, 7.12.2000, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2112/2005 (OJ L 344, 
27.12.2005, p. 23). 

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ANNEX 2: PRIORITIES FOR SERBIA 

Short term priorities 

Key priorities 

–  Ensure full compliance with the future obligations under the Stabilisation and Association 

Agreement (SAA) and the Interim Agreement (IA).  

–  Ensure full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia 

(ICTY).  

–  Engage constructively in the further negotiations to find a sustainable solution on the status 

of Kosovo together with the provisional institutions for self-government in Pristina. 

–  Ensure that the constitution and constitutional law are implemented in line with European 

standards.  

–  Continue efforts to implement the reform of the public administration, including the civil 
service  pay  system,  to  ensure  transparent  recruitment  and  promotion  as  well  as 
professionalism  and  accountability,  strengthen  the  European  integration  structures, 
improve  coordination  throughout  the  public  administration  and  parliament  and  pay 
particular attention to policy coordination. 

–  Improve the functioning of the judiciary, guarantee its independence, professionalism and 
efficiency  and  ensure  that  the  career  development  and  recruitment  of  judges  and 
prosecutors  are  based  on  technical  and  professional  criteria  and  free  from  political 
influence. 

–  Step  up  the  fight  against  corruption  at  all  levels  and  develop  a  comprehensive  public 
system  of  financial  control  to  increase  transparency  and  accountability  in  use  of  public 
finances.  

–  Finalise the process of privatisation or, when appropriate, liquidation of social-owned and 

state-owned enterprises.  

Political criteria 

Democracy and the rule of law 

Constitution 

–  Align legislation and institutions with the new Constitution. 

Parliament  

–  Complete the reform of the legal framework on elections (including the voters’ register), 
bring  it  into  line  with  the  new  constitutional  requirements  and  ensure  transparency  and 
accountability of political party financing, including revision of the existing legislation to 
provide for sufficient monitoring and sanctions. 

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Public administration 

–  Establish a fully functioning ombudsman’s office in line with legislative requirements and 

ensure proper follow-up to the recommendations made by the ombudsman. 

Civilian oversight of security forces 

–  Ensure  greater  democratic  oversight  by  tightening  parliamentary  control  and  establishing 

more transparent financial management.  

Judicial system 

–  Ensure  the  full  independence  of  the  courts  and  prosecution  system  and  strengthen  the 

office of the prosecutor for war crimes.  

–  Implement the action plan on the judicial reform strategy. 

–  Adopt and implement legislation on mandatory initial and continuous training for judges, 

prosecutors and court support staff and strengthen the training centres.  

–  Rationalise  the  court  system,  modernise  proceedings,  introduce  an  effective  court 

management system and establish administrative and appellate courts. 

–  Create an IT network for prosecutors at all levels,  ensure  enforcement  of  court  decisions 
and further strengthen the capacity to try war crimes domestically in full compliance with 
international obligations to the ICTY. 

–  Strengthen the office of the prosecutor for war crimes.  

Anti-corruption policy 

–  Implement the action plan on the anti-corruption strategy and establish an independent and 

effective anti-corruption agency. 

–  Ratify international conventions against corruption. 

–  Further clarify and enforce regulations related to the prevention of conflict of interests, in 

line with international standards. 

–  Develop and implement a transparent system of declaration of assets of public officials. 

Human rights and protection of minorities 

–  Fulfil all obligations arising out of membership of the Council of Europe.  

–  Ensure compliance with the human rights provisions of the new constitution. 

–  Continue de-institutionalisation, community-based services and aid to dependent persons, 

including in the field of mental health. 

Civil and political rights 

–  Take  action  in  alleged  cases  of  ill-treatment  and  strengthen  the  internal  control  services 

dealing with ill-treatment by law enforcement agents. 

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–  Improve  prison  conditions,  ensure  appropriate  monitoring  of  prison  conditions  for  long-
term inmates and for inmates convicted of organised crime and ensure further training of 
penitentiary staff and improvement of special needs facilities.  

–  Improve the functioning of the Broadcasting Council in line with international standards, 
ensure  fair  and  transparent  allocation  of  regional  and  local  broadcasting  frequencies  to 
media operators,  

–  Fully  implement  the  Law  on  free  access  to  information  and  strengthen  the  office  of  the 
enforcement  of 

for  Free  Access 

Information 

ensure 

to 

to 

Commissioner 
decisions/recommendations. 

–  Adopt legislation on associations and the legal status of NGOs, encourage the development 
of civil society organisations and regular dialogue with civil society on policy initiatives.  

Social and economic rights 

–  Adopt  comprehensive  anti-discrimination  legislation  and  ensure  appropriate  institutional 

support for victims. 

–  Adopt adequate legislation on the restitution of property and ensure full implementation. 

Minority rights, cultural rights and protection of minorities 

–  Ensure  that  constitutional  provisions  on  minority  rights  and  protection  of  minorities  are 
observed  and  fully  implement  the  strategies  and  action  plans  relevant  to  integration  of 
Roma, including returnees.  

–  Continue efforts to promote good inter-ethnic relations, including measures in the field of 
education, strengthen the functioning of minority national councils, including adoption of 
pending  legislation,  promote  participation  by  minorities  in  the  judiciary  and  law 
enforcement  bodies  and  continue  awareness-raising  activities,  including  use  of  minority 
languages. 

–  Adopt  new  legislation  on  refugees  and  continue  to  implement  the  national  strategy  on 

refugees. 

Regional issues and international obligations 

–  Continue to honour the Dayton/Paris Agreements.  

–  Take  measures  to  abide  by  the  February  2007  judgment  of  the  International  Court  of 
Justice  on  the  case  brought  by  Bosnia  and  Herzegovina  against  Serbia  and  Montenegro 
regarding application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of 
Genocide. 

–  Contribute  to  strengthening  regional  cooperation,  reconciliation  and  good  neighbourly 
relations, including by promoting the transition from the Stability Pact to a more regionally 
owned cooperation framework and effective implementation of the Central European Free 
Trade Agreement (CEFTA). 

–  Conclude  and  implement  agreements  with  neighbouring  countries  on  cross-border 
cooperation,  the  fight  against  organised  crime,  trafficking  and  smuggling,  judicial 
cooperation, border management and the environment. 

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–  Contribute  to  resolving  outstanding  border  issues  with  Croatia  and  with  Bosnia  and 

Herzegovina. 

–  Ensure the right to a real choice between sustainable return and integration and contribute 

to ensuring full implementation of the Sarajevo Declaration.  

Economic criteria 

–  Implement a stability-oriented fiscal policy, including a public sector wage policy, which 
aims at fiscal consolidation and is conducive to low inflation and external sustainability. 

–  Continue  reforms  of  public  finance  management  in  order  to  strengthen  control, 

transparency, accountability and efficiency. 

–  Pursue a monetary policy conducive to the objective of price stability to reduce and anchor 

inflation expectations. 

–  Improve  bankruptcy  procedures  in  order  to  speed  up  market  exit  of  unviable  enterprises 

and to foster structural change. 

–  Complete  the  liberalisation  of  remaining  administered  prices  with  the  view  of  improving 

the efficiency of market mechanisms and resource allocation. 

–  Further strengthen financial supervision to help ensure stability of the financial sector. 

–  Further develop and implement the reform of the pension system and continue the reform 
of  the  health  insurance  system  and  accelerate  the  restructuring  and  privatisation  of  the 
insurance sector. 

–  Continue  efforts  to  formalise  the  grey  economy  and  implement  a  public  expenditure 

management system and tax reforms. 

–  Develop a stable and functioning land/real estate market and prepare cadastre legislation. 

–  Continue  efforts  to  promote  employment,  including  by  means  of  vocational  training  and 
labour market reforms, improve public employment services and implement the strategy on 
employment of people with disabilities. 

European standards 

Internal market 

Free movement of goods  

–  Continue  to  align  the  legal  framework  on  standardisation,  certification,  metrology, 
accreditation  and  conformity  assessment  with  European  standards.  Continue  to  adopt 
European  standards  and  establish  a  national  coordination  body  for  quality  infrastructure 
responsible for strengthening the entire area.  

–  Establish a market surveillance structure and ensure proper coordination among the market 

surveillance authorities. 

–  Adjust the trade regime and relevant legislation to comply with obligations stemming from 

the WTO, SAA and CEFTA. 

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–  Establish internal consultation and notification mechanisms for new technical regulations 

prior to adoption of measures with an impact on trade. 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity in the area of consumer protection. 

Free movement of capital 

–  Continue to develop a system of international payment operations in line with international 
rules  and  establish  national  treatment  for  purchases  of  real  estate,  together  with  free 
movement of short-term credit and portfolio investments.  

Customs and taxation 

–  Complete the alignment of customs legislation necessary for proper implementation of the 
SAA,  strengthen  the  capacity  of  the  customs  administration  to  fight  corruption,  cross-
border  crime  and  fiscal  evasion  and  strengthen  enforcement  capacity,  especially  in  the 
areas of risk analysis and post-clearance control.  

–  Continue  approximation  of  tax  legislation  to  the  acquis,  implement  tax  legislation,  in 
particular  on  revenue  collection  and  control  in  order  to  reduce  tax  fraud  and  increase 
enforcement capacity. 

–  Commit to the principles of the Code of Conduct for business taxation and ensure that new 

tax measures comply with these principles. 

Competition 

–  Improve  existing  anti-trust  legislation  in  line  with  the  SAA  requirements  and  strengthen 
the  administrative  capacity  of  the  Competition  Commission  to  ensure  efficient  and 
independent enforcement of the rules in line with the EU acquis. 

–  Establish an independent and fully functioning authority for monitoring state aid. 

–  Improve merger control procedures in order to strengthen the efficiency of the Competition 

Commission. 

–  Establish a proper legal framework for state aid in line with the SAA requirements. 

Public procurement 

–  Implement a consistent and effective public procurement regime, ensure the independence 
of the public procurement bodies, ensure transparent procedures, regardless of the value of 
the  contract  concerned,  and  non-discrimination  between  Serbian  and  EU  suppliers  and 
strengthen enforcement capacity in this sector. 

Intellectual property law 

–  Continue  to  strengthen  protection  of  intellectual  property  rights  (IPR)  and  strengthen 

administrative capacity for the implementation and enforcement of IPRs. 

Employment and social policies 

–  Develop adequate administrative structures and capacity in the field of health protection. 

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Education and research 

–  Continue  efforts  to  improve  education  system;  establish  better  links  between  vocational 
and higher education and the labour market and economic needs; strengthen administrative 
capacity and improve coordination among relevant bodies. 

–  Ratify  the  UNESCO  Convention  on  the  Protection  and  Promotion  of  the  Diversity  of 

Cultural Expressions. 

WTO issues 

Continue preparations for accession to the WTO. 

Sectoral policies  

Industry and SMEs 

–  Implement  the  European  Charter  for  Small  and  Medium-sized  Enterprises  and  reduce 

administrative barriers for SME’s. 

–  Adopt  a  new  medium-term  SME  policy  strategy  and  industrial  policy,  followed  by  an 

operational action plan.  

–  Strengthen  the  SME  Council  as  an  instrument  for  public-private  and  inter-ministerial 

cooperation to influence the design and delivery of SME policies. 

–  Reduce administrative barriers for SME's. 

Agriculture 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity needed to formulate and implement agricultural and 

rural development policy.  

–  Update legislation and strengthen implementation and controls in the areas of food safety 

and veterinary and phytosanitary issues.  

–  Expand animal identification and registration to all relevant species.  

–  Continue 

to  upgrade  veterinary,  phytosanitary,  wine  and  sanitary 

laboratories, 

inspectorates and controls at external borders. 

Environment 

–  Accelerate approximation of legislation and standards to the EU acquis.  

–  Implement the adopted legislation, notably on environmental impact assessment. 

–  Start implementing the Kyoto Protocol. 

–  Adopt  and  implement  the  national  environmental  protection  strategy  and  a  strategy  for 

sustainable development. 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity of bodies in charge of planning, permits, inspection 
and monitoring, and also project management, strengthen capacity at local level and ensure 
coordination between central and local levels.  

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–  Further develop and start to implement waste management plans and start construction of a 

facility for treatment and safe disposal of hazardous waste.  

Transport policy 

–  Continue  implementation  of  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  on  the  Development  of 
the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network and strengthen cooperation with 
the South East Europe Transport Observatory. 

–  Adopt and implement a national transport strategy. Take measures to improve road safety 

conditions. 

–  Implement commitments taken under the first transitional phase of the European Common 

Aviation Area Agreement.  

–  Restructure the railway sector and establish railway institutions. 

–  Develop  inland  waterway  transport,  including  by  the  setting-up  of  river  information 

services. 

Energy 

–  Fulfil  the  obligations  arising  from  the  Energy  Community  Treaty  as  regards  the  full 
implementation of the acquis on the internal gas and electricity market and on cross border 
exchanges in electricity. 

–  Amend and implement the Energy Law and ensure smooth functioning of the independent 

energy regulatory agency. 

–  Continue  environmental  audits  on  energy  plants,  addressing  the  worst  polluters,  ensure 
unbundling  with  a  view  to  restructuring  and  opening  up  the  market  and  make  further 
progress  towards  a  regional  energy  market,  in  particular  by  improving  interconnectivity 
with neighbouring countries. 

–  Accede to  the  relevant  international conventions relating to nuclear safety and  set up  the 

appropriate regulatory body. 

–  Continue the dismantling of the Vinca research reactor. 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity within the relevant ministries.  

Information society and media 

–  Ensure full liberalisation of the electronic communications sector and the independence of 
the regulatory bodies; ensure that the strategy adopted is put into effect, including adoption 
and  implementation  of  the  necessary  laws  and  policies,  and  strengthen  administrative 
capacity. 

–  Start approximation to the acquis on the audiovisual sector and improve transparency and 

accountability, particularly of the Republican Broadcasting Agency. 

–  Sign and ratify the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. 

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Financial control 

–  Adopt and implement a public internal financial control policy. 

–  Develop procedures and administrative capacity to ensure effective protection of the EU’s 

financial interests. 

Statistics 

–  Amend the Law on statistics and increase cooperation and coordination within the national 

statistical system. 

–  Conduct  an  agricultural  census,  create  an  agricultural  register  and  continue  the 
development  of  national  accounts  according  to  ESA  95  including  improving  the  data 
sources. 

Justice, freedom and security 

Visa, border control, asylum and migration 

–  Implement  the  integrated  border  management  (IBM)  strategy  and  strengthen  cooperation 

between the IBM agencies.  

–  Improve cross-border police cooperation in line with best practices, strengthen the capacity 
of  border  police  and  provide  modern  infrastructure  and  equipment  for  the  border  police, 
particularly in the IT area. 

–  Align  the  visa  regime  with  the  acquis  and  implement  the  EU-Serbia  agreement  on  visa 

facilitation.  

–  Adopt  and  implement  asylum  legislation,  ensure  functioning  of  a  reception  centre  for 
asylum-seekers and ensure establishment of an operational body for asylum applications. 

–  Implement the EU-Serbia agreement on readmission.  

–  Adopt  a  strategy  for  reintegration  of  returnees,  including  adressing  the  socio-economic 

conditions. 

Money laundering 

–  Adopt  the  necessary  legislation  and  a  national  strategy  against  money  laundering  and 
financing  of  terrorism,  strengthen  national  bodies  for  the  fight  against  money  laundering 
and improve inter-agency and international cooperation.  

Drugs 

–  Increase  the  capacity  to  fight  drug  trafficking,  develop  and  start  to  implement  a  national 
drugs strategy in line with the EU drugs strategy and improve international cooperation. 

Police 

–  Ensure full implementation of the Law on police in order to establish professionalism and 
accountability,  improve  transparency,  develop  a  modern  police  force  free  from  undue 
political interference and increase capacity by means of specialised training.  

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–  Take the necessary steps to conclude a cooperation agreement with Europol.  

Fight against organised crime and terrorism 

–  Adopt  outstanding  legislation,  develop  the  capacity  to  seize  assets,  implement  a  national 

strategy against organised crime and strengthen criminal intelligence.  

–  Continue  the  fight  against  trafficking  of  human  beings,  including  implementation  of  the 
strategy for prevention of trafficking and provision of adequate assistance and protection to 
victims.  

–  Increase  the  efficiency  of  international  cooperation  and  implementation  of  the  relevant 

international conventions on terrorism.  

–  Improve cooperation and the exchange of information between all branches of the security 
services and with other states and prevent financing and preparation of acts of terrorism.  

Protection of personal data 

–  Revise  the  legal  framework,  sign  the  relevant  international  conventions  and  set  up  an 

independent supervisory authority. 

Medium-term priorities  

Political criteria 

Democracy and the rule of law 

Public administration 

–  Further  strengthen  European  integration  capacity  within  the  public  administration, 
embedding the necessary structures within line ministries and throughout government, and 
improve cooperation mechanisms with all departments dealing with European integration.  

–  Continue  full  implementation  of  civil  service  and  public  administration  laws,  implement 
measures  to  develop  human  resources  in  the  civil  service,  strengthen  the  policy-making 
and  coordination  capacity  of  the  public  administration  at  government  and  local  levels, 
establish  a  centralised  payroll  system,  implement  the  constitutional  provisions  relating  to 
decentralisation and ensure the resources for local governments. 

Civilian oversight of security forces 

–  Continue the restructuring and reform of  the  armed  forces  and  increase  transparency  and 

civilian oversight of the armed forces.  

Judicial system 

–  Reduce  the  backlog  in  courts  and  further  increase  the  efficiency  and  professionalism  of 

courts. 

–  Introduce uniform standards in order to gather reliable data on the judiciary. 

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Anti-corruption policy  

–  Ensure full compliance with the international conventions on the fight against corruption. 

Further strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption bodies.  

Human rights and protection of minorities 

–  Implement the anti-discrimination legislation. 

–  Continue  efforts  to  integrate  and  improve  the  conditions  for  children  with  disabilities. 
Reform  the  childcare  system  and  ensure  mainstream  education  for  children  from 
minorities.  

Regional issues and international obligations 

–  Facilitate integration of refugees who choose not to return.  

Economic criteria 

–  Strengthen  fiscal  consolidation  and  reduce  the  role  of  the  state  sector,  measured  by 
expenditure  in  proportion  to  GDP,  to  create  space  for  private-sector  development  and 
growth. 

–  Speed  up  privatisation  and,  where  appropriate,  liquidation  of  state-owned  enterprises  in 
order  to  strengthen  corporate  governance,  reduce  quasi-fiscal  losses,  contribute  to  fiscal 
consolidation and raise the share of private-sector activity.  

–  Reduce structural rigidities that hamper the labour market, in particular relating to labour 

market regulation, to increase participation and employment rates. 

–  Reduce  state  aid  relative  to  GDP  and  strengthen  competition  policy  to  allow  free  and 

undistorted competition for the benefit of Serbian consumers. 

–  Improve  the  education  system  with  the  aim  of  increasing  skills  which  fostering 

employment opportunities and long-term economic growth. 

–  Improve the business environment to increase greenfield foreign direct investment. 

European standards 

Internal market 

Free movement of goods 

–  Continue  to  develop  standardisation  and,  prepare  for  full  membership  of  the  European 

standardisation organisations. Free movement of capital 

–  Further liberalise short- and medium-term capital movements. 

Customs and taxation 

–  Ensure continued approximation of customs and taxation as well as other fiscal legislation 
to  the  acquis,  and  continue  to  strengthen  the  administrative  capacity  to  implement  this 
legislation and to fight corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion. 

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–  Improve transparency and the exchange of information with EU Member States in order to 

facilitate enforcement of measures preventing avoidance or evasion of taxes.  

Competition 

–  Implement state aid legislation and ensure that the authority monitoring state aid functions 

effectively. 

Employment and social policies 

–  Adopt  measures  to  increase  school  enrolment  rates  at  secondary  level  of  children  of  all 

communities. 

–  Further develop social inclusion and social protection policies.  

–  Ensure a functioning and representative social dialogue. 

–  Take further efforts to improve the situation of persons with disabilities. 

Education and research  

–  Adopt  a  national  qualification  framework  for  vocational  and  education  training;  promote 

regional cooperation in the field of higher education.  

–  Adopt an integrated research policy.  

Sectoral policies 

SME and industrial policy 

–  Continue the implementation of the European Charter for Small Enterprises. 

Agriculture  

–  Continue  efforts to  strengthen  administrative structures and capacity needed to formulate 

and implement agricultural and rural development policies.  

–  Continue strengthening veterinary, sanitary, phytosanitary and food safety legislation and 

controls. 

–  Improve waste management and reduce agricultural pollution.  

–  Continue to upgrade food-processing establishments to meet EU requirements.  

Environment 

–  Ensure  full  implementation  and  enforcement  of  legislation  approximated  to  the  EU 

legislation.  

–  Implement the relevant international conventions and the Kyoto Protocol. 

–  Adopt  and  start  implementing  strategies  on  air  pollution,  waste  management  and  nature 

protection. 

–  Implement fully the national environmental protection strategy and the water strategy. 

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–  Strengthen further the administrative capacity of environmental institutions at national and 

local level.  

–  Implement  the  multi-annual  plan  for  financing  the  environmental  protection  policy, 

including for investment. 

–  Finalise construction of a facility for treatment and safe disposal of hazardous waste. 

Transport policy 

–  Continue  implementation  of  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  on  the  Development  of 
the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network and strengthen cooperation with 
the South East Europe Transport Observatory. 

–  Strengthen  further  administrative  capacity,  including  project  preparation  for  large 

investments and maintenance of infrastructure. 

–  Ensure  further  approximation  of  legislation  to  the  transport  acquis,  notably  as  regards 
technical and safety standards (including the implementation of the digital tachograph). 

–  Implement  commitments  taken  under  the  second  transitional  phase  of  the  European 

Common Aviation Area Agreement. 

Energy 

–  Adopt  and  implement  a  long-term  strategy  for  an  environmentally  sustainable  energy 

policy. 

–  Continue to implement regional and international commitments in this area with a view to 

establishing a competitive regional energy market. 

–  Complete the dismantling of the Vinca research reactor. 

Information society and media 

–  Start  implementation  of  the  EU  framework  for  electronic  communications  and  continue 

alignment with the EC acquis for the audiovisual sector. 

Financial control 

–  Develop  and  implement  the  principles  of  decentralised  managerial  accountability  and  a 
functionally  independent  internal  audit  system  in  accordance  with  the  internationally 
accepted standards and EU best practice.  

–  Further  develop  procedures  and  administrative  capacity  to  ensure  effective  protection  of 

the EU’s financial interests. 

Statistics 

–  Further  develop  the  quality  management  system;  put  in  place  agricultural  statistics  and 

further develop all sectoral statistical areas. 

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Justice, freedom and security 

Visa, border control, asylum and migration 

–  Continue to strengthen the capacity of the border police and the customs services, improve 
facilities at border posts and enhance cooperation with neighbouring countries in the fight 
against human trafficking. 

–  Provide sustainable solutions for the integration of readmitted persons. 

Drugs 

–  Fully implement a national strategy for the fight against drug abuse. 

Police 

–  Continue restructuring the police services, ensure transparency and accountability, reform 
police  education  and  ensure  cooperation  and  coordination  between  law  enforcement 
agencies. 

Fighting organised crime and terrorism  

–  Ensure  that  an  effective  system  of  witness  protection  is  in  place,  improve  regional 
cooperation,  reinforce  the  fight  against  economic  and  financial  crime  (including  money 
laundering and counterfeiting of currencies), fraud and corruption, facilitate the placement 
of liaison officers, seconded from EU Member States, in the relevant state bodies involved 
in  the  fight  against  organised  crime  and  implement  the  Palermo  Convention  on 
transnational organised crime. 

–  Strengthen  capacity  at  the  Ministry  of  the  Interior  (in  particular  the  Department  for 
organised  crime)  and  develop  procedures  and  the  capacity  to  share  intelligence  between 
agencies. 

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ANNEX 3: PRIORITIES FOR KOSOVO under UNSCR 1244 

Short term priorities 

Key priorities 

–  Engage constructively with the authorities in Serbia in the further period of negotiations to 
find  a  sustainable  solution  for  the  status  of  Kosovo.  Continue  to  work  closely  with  the 
planning  teams  preparing  the  envisaged  international/EU  mission  in  order  to  be  able  to 
fully implement a settlement. 

–  Ensure  full  cooperation  with  the  International  Criminal  Tribunal  for  the  former 

Yugoslavia.  

–  Ensure full respect for the rule of law,human rights and protection of minorities and pursue 

a policy of zero tolerance against corruption, organised crime and financial crime. 

–  Ensure democratic governance of, and delivery of public services to, all people of Kosovo, 
establishing  a  professional,  accountable,  accessible,  representative  public  administration 
free from undue political interference. 

–  Advance  the  reform  of  self-government  and  increase  administrative  capacity  to  facilitate 
decentralisation, taking into account the views and interest of all communities in Kosovo, 
adopt the legislative framework and allocate appropriate budgetary resources. 

–  Create  a  climate  for  reconciliation,  inter-ethnic  tolerance  and  sustainable  multi-ethnicity 
which is conducive to the return of displaced persons. Ensure the respect, security, freedom 
of movement and participation of all communities. Explicitly condemn all manifestations 
of anti-minority sentiment. Vigorously prosecute all inter-ethnic crime. 

–  Create  a  society  free  from  discrimination  of  any  kind  and  promote  the  integration  of 

disadvantaged groups.  

–  Continue to strengthen property rights, the legal framework and the accessibility of courts, 

with a view to promoting a business friendly environment. 

Political criteria 

Democracy and the rule of law 

Provisional institutions of self-government 

–  Fully ensure the effective functioning of the assembly and its committees, the government 
and municipalities, including full respect of the respective rules of procedure and codes of 
conduct, and of the rights and interests of all communities. 

–  Increase executive oversight by, and accountability and transparency within, the assembly. 

Strengthen the assembly's own administrative capacity. 

–  Publish the Official Gazette in a timely manner and ensure that it is fully correct. Enhance 
checks  on  the  respective  language  versions  to  ensure  that  they  are  identical  and  ensure 
public access to the Official Gazette.  

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–  Further increase minority representation in all institutions and the civil service at municipal 

and central level. 

Parliament/ Elections  

–  Hold free and fair elections. Strengthen the independent and multi-ethnic Central Election 

Commission to administer elections in a timely manner.  

–  Make  sure  that  adequate  voting  sites,  security  and  other  measures  are  provided  to  all 
communities  to  exercise  their  voting  rights.  Enable  internally  displaced  persons  and 
refugees to participate in the elections even if their ability to return to Kosovo islimited. 

–  Enhance checks on EU compatibility of all new legislation. 

Public administration 

–  Reinforce  capacity  for  government  coordination  and  define  more  precisely 

the 
responsibilities  of  the  central  and  local  authorities  for  ensuring  consistency  of  policy 
implementation. Strengthen the efficiency of the government's functions of monitoring the 
performance of the public service. 

–  Rigorously  enforce  transparent  procedures  on  recruitment,  transfer,  appraisal,  promotion, 
conduct and dismissal of civil servants, including police and justice system employees, and 
on financial management.  

–  Improve  the  functioning  and  strengthen  the  independence  of  the  Independent  Oversight 

Board and the Senior Public Appointments Committee. 

–  Improve  quality  and  availability  of  basic  public  services  to  all  communities,  including  a 

contribution to reduce the demand for services provided by parallel structures. 

–  Advance the decentralisation process and adopt inter alia the laws on local government and 

municipal boundaries.  

Judicial system 

–  Ensure  effective,  independent,  accountable  and  impartial  courts  and  prosecution  offices, 

free from political influence. 

–  Strengthen the Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that it is able to comply with the principles of 
autonomy and impartiality. Continue to strengthen the Special Prosecutor's Office. Ensure 
the implementation of an efficient witness protection security scheme. 

–  Approve  laws  on  courts  and  the  prosecution  and  implement  them.  Develop  a  system  of 

administrative justice and streamline relevant legislation and competences. 

–  Implement  the  automated  case  management  system  fully  in  all  courts  and  prosecution 

offices. Reduce the backlog of cases and the enforcement of civil court decisions.  

–  Strengthen  municipal  courts  and  police  action  to  address,  prevent  and  sanction  illegal 

occupation, use and construction of property in an impartial manner. 

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–  Further  develop  legal  education  and  training,  particularly  for  judges,  prosecutors  and 
administrative  personnel.  Transform  the  Judicial  Institute  into  a  viable  institution 
responsible for judicial training. 

–  Develop  the  capacity  in  the  government  free  from  undue  political  influence  to  take  on 
responsibilities in the areas of justice and the interior. Implement a system of appointment, 
dismissal and career promotion for judges and prosecutors in line with European standards, 
free from political interference. 

Anti-corruption policy 

–  Implement  the  law  on  the  suppression  of  corruption  and  the  anti-corruption  plan. 
Strengthen the anti-corruption agency and take measures to ensure fully its independence 
and functioning.  

–  Streamline  the  competencies  of  the  Anti-corruption  Agency,  the  Office  of  Good 

Governance and the Anti-corruption Council. 

Human rights and the protection of minorities 

–  Complete  the  legislative  framework  and  enhance  the  respect  of  mechanisms  for  the 
protection of human and minority rights in line with Council of Europe recommendations. 
Adopt and implement a comprehensive Human Rights Strategy. 

–  Strengthen  the  legal  framework  related  to  the  freedom  of  expression.  Provide  the 
independent media commission with the relevant resources to respect the provisions of the 
legislation. Remove any legal ambiguities in relation to insult and defamation. 

–  Elect  an  ombudsperson  and  adopt  legal  provisions  which  ensure  implementation  of  the 

ombudsperson's recommendations.  

–  Define and adopt a government programme to promote women's rights in Kosovo. 

–  Implement  the  anti-discrimination  law  effectively.  In  particular,  make  the  human  rights 
units  within  ministries  fully  operational,  and  ensure  their  independence  and  coordination 
with  Ombudsperson's  activities.  Organise  awareness  campaigns  to  inform  the  private 
sector, civil society and academic circles about this law. Monitor the implementation of the 
law and report on it. 

–  Develop community-based services and aid to dependent persons, including in the field of 

mental health. 

–  Promote anti-discrimination policies throughout the country, addressing all groups at risk.  

Minority rights, cultural rights and protection of minorities 

–  Fully enforce the law on official languages as well as on cultural heritage and set up an/ 

effective mechanism to monitor its implementation  

–  Regularise informal settlements. Find sustainable solutions for the housing and integration 
of  Roma  communities  that  are  living  in  hazardous  living  conditions  in  camps  and  for 
internally displaced persons groups living in informal centres. 

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–  Strengthen  administrative  structures  and  accountability  mechanisms  in  the  Ministry  of 
Communities  and  Returns.  Clarify  the  division  of  responsibilities  regarding  the  return 
between the Ministry of Local Governance and the Ministry of Communities and Returns, 
at central and local levels. Further develop and implement the joint strategic framework on 
communities  and  returns,  and  develop  mechanisms  at  municipal  level  for  facilitating  the 
sustainable integration of returnees and existing minority communities. 

–  Facilitate and encourage the return of refugees and displaced persons from all communities 
and  finalise  the  rehabilitation  of  properties  damaged  and  destroyed  by  the  March  2004 
events, including historic and religious sites. 

Regional issues and international obligations 

–  Strengthen regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations. 

–  Implement the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and participate actively 
in  all  relevant  regional  initiatives,  inter  alia  under  the  auspices  of  the  Stability  Pact, 
including  the  process  of  its  transition  towards  a  more  regionally  owned  cooperation 
framework. 

Economic criteria 

–  Maintain  sound  fiscal  policies  and,  in  particular,  ensure  that  social  policies  addressing 
poverty  and  social  exclusion  are  compatible  with  the  long-run  sustainability  of  public 
finances. 

–  Establish annual targets for improved bill collection rates of public utilities and define and 

implement strategies to reach those targets. 

–  Significantly advance the privatisation of former socially-owned enterprises in accordance 

with the Trust Agency schedule. 

–  Improve  the  governance,  efficiency  and  financial  sustainability  of  publicly-owned 
enterprises.  Further  strengthen  the  operational  and  financial  independence  of  regulatory 
authorities  with  a  view  to  enhancing  transparency  and  competition  in  the  respective 
sectors. 

–  Develop and implement policies facilitating the transfer from non-registered to registered 
employment  in  order  to  create  a  functioning  official  labour  market  and  to  enhance  the 
effectiveness of labour market polices. 

European standards 

Internal market 

Free movement of goods 

–  Adopt the horizontal framework legislation to establish the necessary infrastructure for the 
proper  operation  and  segregation  of  the  various  functions  (regulatory,  standardisation, 
accreditation metrology, conformity assessment and market surveillance) needed to apply 
the acquis on the free movement of goods. 

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Free movement of capital 

–  Adopt  appropriate  prudential  requirements  and  strengthen  the  supervisory  process  in  the 

financial sector. 

Customs and taxation 

–  Further  approximate  customs  legislation  with  the  acquis  and  continue  the  efforts  to 
enhance  the  capacity  of  the  customs  administration  to  combat  corruption,  counterfeiting 
and cross-border crime. Enhance the capacity of the criminal investigation unit. 

–  Observe  the  obligations  related  to  the  implementation  of  preferential  trade  measures,  in 

particular with regard to origin. 

–  Continue  approximation  of  tax  legislation  to  the  EU  acquis  and  strengthen  the 
administrative capacity of the tax administration. Reinforce the collection capacity of the 
tax administration and increase tax revenue.  

–  Commit to the principles of the Code of Conduct for business taxation and ensure that new 

tax measures are in conformity with these principles.  

Public procurement  

–  Adapt  the  public  procurement  framework  by  adopting  the  necessary  implementing 
legislation  to  ensure  compatibility  with  the  acquis.  Provide  a  public  procurement 
institutional framework with the administrative capacity and independence to carry out its 
mission. 

Intellectual property rights 

–  Provide  the  administrative  capacity  to  implement  the  intellectual  property  law  and  to 

enforce intellectual property rights. 

Employment and social policies 

–  Adopt an employment strategy, including improving the collection of data on employment 

matters. 

–  Improve  public  information  on  access  to  social  security  systems  and  enhance  municipal 

capacities in social assistance matters. 

–  Amend legislation on the social insurance and pension scheme. 

–  Review the social benefits scheme to ensure non-discrimination of beneficiaries. 

Education and research 

–  Increase  the  budget  for  education,  in  particular  to  improve  school  infrastructure,  end  the 

teaching shifts and address the lack of materials and equipments. 

–  Develop  action  plans  to  implement  the  education  strategies  with  increased  dialogue  and 

coordination between all levels and all stakeholders and allocate necessary resources. 

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–  Fully implement the legislation on vocational training and start implementing the law on a 

national qualification framework. 

–  Continue  the  development  of  a  national  framework  for  monitoring  and  evaluating  the 

teaching.  

–  Ensure better involvement in the EU higher education programmes. 

Sectoral policies 

Industry and SME 

–  Implement  a  medium-term  strategy  to  support  the  development  of  SMEs,  including  the 
strengthening  of  the  SME  support  agency  and  the  strengthening  of  the  investment 
promotion  agency.  Continue  implementation  of  the  European  Charter  for  Small 
Enterprises. 

Agriculture and fisheries 

–  Determine  clear  responsibilities  within  the  different  services  in  the  agricultural  sector 
(including  the  veterinary  and  phytosanitary  administration)  and  their  relations  with  the 
Ministry  of  Agriculture,  Forestry  and  Rural  Development,  local  governments  and 
municipal level. 

–  Adopt  the  law  on  food  and  the  consequent  implementing  legislation,  and  establish  the 

relevant agency to implement and enforce the law. 

–  Ensure the operational character of the system for identification of animals and registration 

of their movements. 

–  Draw up a plan to upgrade agri-food establishments. 

Environment 

–  Implement the law on environmental impact assessment adopted by the Assembly. 

–  Implement  the  comprehensive  environmental  action  plan,  particularly  relating  to  public 

health issues.  

–  Continue approximation with European standards in the field of environment.  

–  Continue  efforts  to  increase  public  awareness  and  civil  society  participation  in 

environmental matters.  

Transport policy 

–  Continue  implementing  the  Memorandum  of  Understanding  on  the  development  of  the 
South-East Europe (SEE) Core Regional Transport network including the Addendum on a 
SEE Rail Transport Area. 

–  Implement the laws on road transport and on road safety Develop a multi-modal transport 

strategy. 

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–  Continue improving data-led asset management for the maintenance and rehabilitation of 
transport  infrastructures.  Ensure  EU  compatibility  of  the  legislative  framework  for 
concessions  and  take  measures  to  attract  investors,  including  through  public-private 
partnerships, for co-funding large and strategic infrastructure works. 

–  Ensure  that  the  development  of  the  railways  sector  is  compatible  with  economic 

development strategy. 

–  Ensure that the Pristina airport operates at an adequate level of security and has sound and 

accountable management. 

–  Review and improve the system of driving licensing and technical inspection of vehicles. 

Energy 

–  Ensure  the  viability  and  sustainability  of  the  electricity  utility,  notably  by  substantially 

increasing revenue collection and promoting good governance. 

–  Continue  implementing  the  commitments  undertaken  in  the  framework  of  the  Energy 
Community  Treaty.  Continue  preparation  of  the  "Kosovo  C"  project  for  electricity 
generation  and  supply  in  full  compliance  with  the  acquis  as  provided  for  in  the  Energy 
Community Treaty. 

Information society and media 

–  Adopt and begin implementing policy concerning electronic communication networks and 
services  aimed  at  enforcing  full  liberalisation  and  creating  a  stable  open  and  competitive 
environment in order to attract foreign investments and improve the quality of the service. 

–  Strengthen  the  administrative  capacity  of  the  regulatory  authority.  Reinforce  its  position 

and ensure its operational and financial independence. 

–  Ensure  stable  and  sustainable  funding  of  the  Public  Service  Broadcaster  RTK,  the 

Independent Media Commission and the media fund. 

Financial control 

–  Continue  efforts  to  implement  the  public  internal  financial  control  strategy  and  relevant 

laws as a basis for fulfilling the medium-term priorities in this area. 

Statistics 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity of the Statistical Office and improve its operational 
and  financial  independence.  Ensure  the  reliability  of  the  statistics  including  that  survey 
respondents provide quality data to the statistical office in a timely manner, free of charge. 

–  Continue  developing  economic  statistics  and  accelerate  the  development  of  social 

statistics.  

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Justice, freedom and security  

Visas, border control, asylum and migration 

–  Enhance the efficiency of the control of the flow of persons at the borders/ boundary and 
enhance  the  effectiveness  and  transparency  of  the  department  of  border  and  boundary 
police.  

–  Strengthen  the  cooperation  between  border/  boundary  management  agencies  and  with 

neighbouring countries. 

–  Establish shelters and reception facilities for asylum seekers. 

–  Adopt a law on migration in accordance with European standards. Draw up a strategy and 
the  readmission  and 

in  particular 

action  plan  concerning  migration,  addressing 
reintegration of persons returned from abroad. 

Money laundering 

–  Enhance the capacity of the Financial Investigation Unit within the Kosovo Police Service 
(KPS)  organised  crime  directorate.  Train  specialised  prosecutors  and  judges.  Streamline 
competencies in the area of money laundering in the different institutions involved.  

Drugs 

–  Develop a drug prevention strategy and a relevant plan of action to implement it. Further 

strengthen local capacity in the narcotics investigation section. 

Police 

–  Adopt the law on the police. 

–  Improve  the  effectiveness  of  investigation  of  crime.  Adopt  and  implement  legislation  to 
establish  the  KPS  and  strengthen  its  investigative  and  internal  control  capacities. 
Strengthen its leadership. 

–  Adopt a crime reduction strategy and implement it. Develop a strategy to collect weapons, 

complete and enforce small arms related legislation. 

–  Set up a strategy to combat organised crime and terrorism. 

–  Complete the legislative framework concerning organised crime.  

–  Further  strengthen  local  capacity  in  the  organised  crime  directorate  within  the  KPS. 

Implement the action plan against trafficking in human beings. 

Protection of personal data 

–  Develop a comprehensive law on the protection of personal data in line with the acquis, in 
particular  with  the  Data  Protection  Directive  (95/46/EC),  and  implement  it.  Set  up  an 
independent  data  protection  supervisory  authority,  with  sufficient  powers  and  with 
sufficient financial and human resources. 

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Medium-term priorities 

Political criteria 

Democracy and the rule of law 

Public administration 

–  Proceed  with  a  sustainable  public  administration  reform  while  respecting  budgetary 
constraints.  Improve  the  capacity  of  local  administrations  to  provide  services  to  their 
constituencies in an equitable and effective manner. 

Judicial system 

–  Define and consolidate a complete body of law that respects the rights and interests of all 

communities, drawing from all legal sources currently applicable in Kosovo. 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity, coordination and effectiveness of the judiciary and 
all  law  enforcement  agencies.  Ensure  the  viability  of  a  comprehensive  legal  aid  system. 
Develop an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. 

–  Improve the penitentiary system with particular attention to security, control, management, 

vocational training and reintegration schemes, as well as the condition of facilities. 

Anti-corruption policies 

–  Develop sectoral action plans to fight corruption and increase awareness of the corruption 

problem within the public administration.  

–  Establish a track record in the fight against corruption. 

Human rights and the protection of minorities 

–  Ensure  the  viable  existence  of  minority  communities  and  their  non-discriminatory 
participation  in  society,  taking  concrete  measures  to  ensure  their  safety  and  freedom  of 
movement, as well as the equitable provision of and access to public services. 

–  Implement  the  law  on  gender  equality.  Ensure  mainstreaming  of  women’s  rights  in  all 

existing policies and legislation. 

–  Develop  an  integrated  conservation  policy  for  cultural  heritage.  Actively  engage  in 

increasing the general awareness of and respect for cultural heritage. 

–  Ensure that the Cadastral Agency and the municipal cadastral offices offer transparent and 
non-discriminatory  access  to  full  property  records  and  have  functioning  accountability 
mechanisms. 

Regional issues and international obligations 

–  Further strengthen of regional and international cooperation, including in the field of law 
enforcement,  including  by  transfer  of  suspects  and  sentenced  persons  and  mutual  legal 
assistance.  

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Economic criteria 

–  Further strengthen property rights, rule of law, and accessibility of  courts with a view to 

promoting a business friendly environment. 

–  Develop  a  strategy  for  the  privatisation,  and  restructuring  where  necessary,  of  public-
owned enterprises, with a view to strengthening corporate governance and performance of 
these enterprises and reducing subsidies to the enterprise sector.  

–  Design  and  implement  active  labour  market  policies  in  close  cooperation  with  the  local 
business community with a view to enhancing the matching process in labour markets, and 
increase the share of skilled labour in the overall labour force. 

–  Implement appropriate policies for an increase in the quantity and quality of education at 

all levels. 

–  Enhance the export capacity. 

European standards 

Internal market 

Free movement of goods 

–  Continue approximation with the new and global approach and old approach directives. 

–  Adopt remaining European Standards (ENs) 

–  Establish a market surveillance structure.  

Customs and taxation 

–  Continue approximation of tax and customs legislation to the EU acquis. Further increase 
the  administrative  capacity  of  tax  and  customs  services  to  enforce  legislation  and  to 
combat corruption, cross-border crime and tax evasion.  

Public procurement 

–  Ensure  that  public  procurement  rules  are  implemented  effectively  by  contracting 
authorities  and  entities  at  all  levels,  including  through  developing  operational  tools, 
providing training and strengthening the administrative capacity. 

Intellectual property law 

–  Continue strengthening the enforcement of intellectual, industrial and commercial property 

rights, in line with the medium-term strategy. 

Employment 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity of labour inspectorates. 

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Education and research 

–  Strengthen mechanisms for quality assurance in the education sector. 

–  Continue efforts to link vocational education and training and the higher education sector 

with the labour market and economic needs. 

–  Promote the regional cooperation in the field of higher education. 

–  Start developing a policy conducive to research. 

Sectoral policies 

Agriculture and fisheries 

–  Develop  a  policy  and  a  regulatory  framework  to  support  viable  land  reform.  Support  the 

protection of agricultural land against unplanned urban development. 

–  Assess  the  compliance  of  agri-food  establishments  with  EU  requirements  and  prepare  a 

programme for upgrading those establishments. 

–  Start  action  for  efficient  control  of  domestic  plant  production,  in  particular  for  products 

with EU-specific requirements. 

–  Develop a sound forest management structure, particularly in combating illegal logging of 

forests and fighting against forest fires. 

Environment 

–  Take measures to enforce spatial planning. 

–  Enhance  the  institutional  capacity  of  the  Ministry  for  Environment  and  Spatial  Planning, 
improve  coordination  between  administrative  bodies  in  charge  of  environment-related 
issues. 

–  Streamline environmental issues in sectoral policies, in particular on energy and transport. 

Transport policy 

–  Take measures to improve road safety. 

–  Plan and implement maintenance and rehabilitation of transport infrastructures, including 
the construction of new infrastructure through public-private partnerships, if necessary. 

–  Develop and implement a multi-modal strategy. 

Energy 

–  Develop  legislative  and  regulatory  frameworks  to  encourage  public-private  partnerships 
and mixed investments in the power sector in line with the conclusions of the investment 
generation study. 

–  Further  improve  the  performance  of  the  electricity  utility  and  integrate  in  the  regional 

electricity market. 

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Information society and media 

–  Align  with  the  regulatory  framework  and  implement  the  legislation  on  electronic 
communication networks and services to create a more open and competitive environment 
the 
and  strengthen 
telecommunications regulator. 

the  position  and  operational  and  financial 

independence  of 

Financial control 

–  Under the coordination of the Ministry of Finance, develop and implement the principles 
of  decentralised  managerial  accountability  and  functionally  independent  internal  audit  in 
accordance with international standards and EU best practice through coherent legislation 
and adequate administrative capacity. 

–  Strengthen the operational capacity as well as the financial and operational independence 
of  the  Supreme  Audit  Institution.  Follow  up  and  implement  the  recommendations  of  the 
latter. 

Statistics 

–  Increase  cooperation  and  coordination  within  the  Kosovo  statistical  system,  develop  a 
quality management system and document, and standardise production and dissemination 
procedures. 

Justice, freedom and security 

Visa, border control, asylum and migration  

–  Further  enhance  the  capacity  of  the  directorate  for  borders,  asylum  and  migration  within 
the  Ministry  of  Interior.  Further  strengthen  the  operational  capacity  of  the  border  and 
boundary police service within the Kosovo Police Service. 

Fighting organised crime and terrorism 

–  Implement and update the strategy against organised crime and terrorism. 

–  Strengthen local capacities to investigate organised criminal activities.  

–  Strengthen judicial capacities to prosecute and try organised and financial crime cases. 

Drugs  

–  Ensure  inter-agency  and  international  cooperation,  to  considerably  improve  results  in  the 

fight against drug trafficking. 

Protection of personal data 

–  Implement the law on personal data protection in line with the acquis and ensure efficient 

monitoring and enforcement. 

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