EU-steun aan Kosovo in 2004 vastgesteld op 51,5 miljoen euro (en)

vrijdag 2 april 2004

The European Commission (EC) has adopted its Annual Programme for Kosovo. In 2004, within the Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Development and Stabilisation (CARDS) Programme, a total of € 51.5 million will be spent in assisting Kosovo in its reform and modernisation efforts. The 2004 programme's main focus is on institution building, promoting good governance and economic development in order to further prepare UN administered Kosovo for transition to a market economy and for closer integration in both the regional and European contexts - in line with the Stabilisation and Association process (SAp). Since 1991, the European Union has been the largest donor of assistance to the Western Balkans.

Kosovo(1) - Priorities within the Annual Programme 2003 (€51.5 million)

Good Governance and Institution Building (€ 15 million)

The programme will assist Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) to perform their governance roles more effectively - in line with EU best practice, and to strengthen the rule of law. The priorities are interventions: building the institutional capacity of the Assembly of Kosovo and all ministries, particularly the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Economy and Finance; strengthening the PISG's participation in the SAp process, including reinforced engagement in both the Kosovo SAp Tracking Mechanism, and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)-PISG 'Standards' implementation plan; further developing customs and taxation systems; increasing the effectiveness of the courts, the judiciary and legal aid systems; and combating financial crime and corruption.

Economic Reconstruction, Regeneration and Reform (€ 31 million)

The programme aims to promote sustainable economic development for all of Kosovo's communities. Support will be provided to strengthen the financial viability and development of the energy sector a prerequisite for economic growth. The capacity of the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture to implement necessary reforms will be further strengthened. Assistance will be provided to restructure Kosovo's publicly owned companies, improve the management and competitiveness of Kosovo's enterprises, increase the effectiveness of commercial banking services, and to establish an effective food safety control system. The programme will also further assist the economic and social development and re-integration of minority communities, and the development of a sustainable returns process.

Social Development and Civil Society (€ 4 million)

Addressing the high level of unemployment is critical for social and political stability, while civil society has the potential to play a greater role in building a democratic society. The proposed interventions will further develop a modern vocational education and training system, enhance higher l education, and strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of civil society organisations.

General Technical Assistance Facility (GTAF) and programme reserve (€ 1, 5 million)

The General Technical Assistance Facility (GTAF) allows project preparation and the planning of future programmes to proceed in a quick and effective manner. The Programme Reserve will be used to cover 2004 programme related priorities and expenditures that are currently unforeseeable.

Background

Since 1991, the European Union has been the largest donor of assistance to the Western Balkans(2). Since 1999 the EU has provided around €2 billion in aid to Kosovo, out of which over €1 billion of Community CARDS assistance, mostly implemented by the European Agency for Reconstruction". Of the extra funds released for the Balkans at the Thessaloniki Summit in June 2003 Kosovo has received the largest share (€20 million in 2004).

http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/see/fry/kosovo/index.htm

http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects

(1) As defined by the UN Security Council Resolution 1244

(2) The Western Balkans include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, including Kosovo (ss defined by the UN Security Council Resolution 1244)