On 13 October 2014, Group for Legal and Political Studies hosted a Panel Discussion entitled: ‘EC Progress Report 2014 for Kosovo: What about a more responsible rejoinder?’. The Panel questioned the progress made by Kosovo towards EU integration benchmarks, and discussed Kosovo’s remaining challenges to comply with the Copenhagen criteria in the context of EC Progress Report 2014 for Kosovo. The panel concluded that many of the challenges presented in the 2013 Progress Report remain the same for 2014 as well. The panelists reiterated the need for Kosovo to increase the accountability of its institutions in tackling the EC Progress Report’s findings and required reforms, and pointed out the main challenges towards meeting the political criteria, focusing on the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law and the economic criteria (focusing on market economy). The panelists particularly concentrated on the issues of fight against corruption and organized crime and the freedom of media criteria, but not only. On the other hand, the panel also highlighted the main achievements made by Kosovo during the last year and the remaining challenges at the present and in the long-term future.

Panelists in Attendance:

H.E. Ian Cliff – Ambassador, United Kingdom Embassy in Kosovo;

Mr. Tomas Gnocchi – Head of Political, Economic and European Integration Section;

Mr. Agron Demi – Executive Director, GAP Institute;

Mr. Zekirja Shabani – President of Association of Journalists of Kosovo;

Mr. Fisnik Korenica – Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS), Moderator.

Venue: EU Information and Cultural Centre (EUICC)

Str. ‘Mother Tereza’ Square, Prishtina, Kosovo