The EU High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn are expected to visit Kosovo in May to discuss implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo MPs. Following the Agreements’ entry into force, Kosovo Assembly has set up a parliamentary commission on Stabilisation and Association which discussed today in its first meeting the draft agenda for 2016 and the upcoming visit of EU officials.

On the occasion of the start of the implementation of the Stabilization Association Agreement, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa said that this is a new chapter for the development of Kosovo.

Kosovo’s European Integration Minister, Bekim Collaku, said that the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) which starts today, is very important for Kosovo because it will strengthen the political stability, rule of law, international and regional cooperation, sustainable economy market and gradual alignment with European standards in all areas. He also added that the SAA despite the benefits, brings also many new obligations for Kosovo.

Kosovo’s Deputy Minister of European Integration, Ramadan Ilazi, said today that the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union will enter into force on 1 April. “The SAA enters into force on 1 April this year. Its implementation period will be ten years and will be reviewed after five years,” Ilazi said. Meanwhile, Artan Collaku, director of the Stabilization and Association process at the European Integration Ministry today presented the main goals of the SAA.

In the framework of the EU funded "Free Movement of Goods in Kosovo" project, the EU Office/EUSR marked World Consumer Rights Day today by organizing a round table to discuss "Consumer rights in practice". The project's objective is, among others, to reinforce the protection of Kosovo consumers. The main discussion was about the admission and handling of complaints as well as the cooperation of the relevant institutions on consumer protection.

Following the European Parliament’s ratification of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between the EU and Kosovo, the parliament’s rapporteur for Kosovo Ulrike Lunacek hailed the move as historical. “This agreement is a landmark in Kosovo’s relationship with the EU and its development as a European state. For the first time, the EU and Kosovo will enter into a contractual agreement, which is another important step on Kosovo’s path towards EU integration,” said Lunacek in a statement.

The Assembly of Kosovo and GIZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to support the European integration process in Kosovo. The signing of the memorandum is part of efforts to continue supporting Kosovo institutions in the European integration process, especially to support the effective implementation of requirements deriving from the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

At the end of the year press conference, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, said that 2015 is characterized by two different approaches: “The government approach to implement the governing plan and resolve problems of the citizens, and that of the opposition, to impede the processes and the work of the government.” He said that opposition used teargas, impeded the work of the Assembly, destroyed public property and attacked government officials.

The EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, today while addressing the Kosovo Assembly MPs said the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) is a great achievement and crucial for Kosovo on its path towards the EU. This agreement, Hahn said, aims to political dialogue and support for Kosovo to improve international cooperation.

Adriatik Kelmendi considers that the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), should immediately start working on regaining trust, after failing to vote ratification of the Stabilization Association Agreement. He says that it is regrettable that these two parties and Vetevendosje Movement ruined the 25 year old Albanian consensus on this matter. “Was the SAA with Kosovo the best? No! Could it be negotiated better? Perhaps! Should it be approved? Absolutely, definitively YES,” writes Kelmendi.