On September 27, Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) and Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS) have organized a Roundtable Discussion on the topic: ‘The Stabilization and Association Agreement and the State-building Reforms in Kosovo’, held in Prishtina. The panelists had the chance to discuss the potential political effects of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between Kosovo and the European Union, and the likely challenges that Kosovo will experience in implementing this agreement. In addition, they agreed that Kosovo institutions should commit to accelerate the dynamics for the implementation of the SAA and other significant reforms, as well as further enhance the inter-institutional coordination on this matter. At the beginning of the discussion, GLPS presented a Policy Report entitled “Political Impacts of the Stabilisation and Association Agreements: A Comparative Study” which introduces a thorough analysis of political implications of the Stabilization and Association Process, covering developments in the entire Western Balkans. It analyzes a number of variables grouped into three domains: a) efficiency (what practical effects it has produced), b) accountability (the development of liable and responsible administrations), and c) cooperation (willingness to maintain good relations and take part in joint programs with neighboring countries). In addition, the participants focused on the trends and common obstacles found across the region, while extracting some lessons from the process as a whole and foreseeing how they can be applied to the specific case of Kosovo.

Panelists in attendance:

Ms. Dhurata Hoxha – Minister, Ministry of Integration;

H.E. Ms. Nataliya Apostolova – Head of the EU Office in Kosovo/ EU Special Representative;

Mr. Peter Verheyen –  Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;

Ms. Leonora Kryeziu – Executive Director, PIPS;

Mr. Francisco Jose Garcia Martinez – Author of the Report, GLPS.

Venue: Hotel Swiss Diamond, Prishtina.