The Council of the European Union today approved the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the European Union.  The approval of the SAA opens way for the signing of the SAA on 27 October in Strasbourg.  The SAA foresees the establishment of contractual relations between Kosovo and the EU and represents the first formal step towards the full membership in the EU. Kosovo European Integration Minister, Bekim Collaku, said that the approval of the SAA by the EU Council is a historic moment for Kosovo. “All institutions have worked extremely hard to come to this day. SAA negotiation process started in 2013 and I would like to thank all the state institutions for their work in this regard, as well as our international partners for their support,” Collaku said.