The European Union has begun the process of lifting restrictive measures against Kosovo and aims to eliminate financial restrictions in the coming weeks.
This was announced by Jan Gert Koopman, Director-General for Enlargement at the European Commission, during a hearing in the European Parliament.
“We have already started easing the measures and are at a critical stage where we want to advance programming,” Koopman said, specifying that the amount in question exceeds €400 million, reports Agencia Nova.
He added that broad consultations with competent authorities are underway, and the Commission hopes to finalize the decision by the end of the month, although approval from the Committee of Member States remains necessary.
Koopman explained that once programming procedures and contract signings are completed, a full removal of financial measures will be possible, in line with announcements made by the President of the European Commission.
His statements were made in response to a question from the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, during a session of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Regarding the Western Balkans Growth Plan, Koopman emphasized that Kosovo will be able to receive pre-financing payments only after the Assembly is constituted and the necessary agreements are ratified.
“The reform program has been ready for some time and is being implemented at a fundamental level, but ratification is essential to proceed with payments,” he added, recalling that the country had been without a fully functional government for about a year.
Koopman expressed hope that following the December elections, the new executive will be formed quickly, allowing the finalization of documents necessary to protect the EU budget and European taxpayers’ interests.
“At that moment, we will be ready to act quickly,” he concluded.
