EU, Kosovo sign association agreement
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 27 October 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, EU, Kosovo sign association agreement, 27 October 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56813cb615.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Comments | All reference to Kosovo should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 27, 2015
The European Union has signed a long-awaited stabilization agreement with Kosovo, establishing closer ties and opening the way to membership for the small Balkan country.
EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini and Kosovar Prime Minister Isa Mustafa signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement in Strasbourg on October 27.
"Once implemented, [the agreement] will bring more economic prosperity, legal certainty, government accountability, and political stability to the people of Kosovo," Mogherini spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said.
A stabilization agreement is a first step for non-EU countries on the long road toward membership of the bloc, which currently includes 28 nations.
It requires the EU candidate to ensure that its governance and civil society mechanisms – for example, on human rights and the judiciary – are brought up to EU standards.
Diplomatic sources told AFP that some member states had reservations about Kosovo's rights record, but they felt it was better to have them on board so as to help stabilize the volatile Balkans region.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after years of tensions following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
