Civil society representatives and non-governmental organizations have called on the deputies of the Kosovo Assembly to constitute the institution, stating that one of the consequences of the failure to establish institutions is the delay in the ratification of the Growth Plan.
In a reaction, civil society stated that the dragging out of the ratification of the agreement for the Growth Plan risks not only direct financial benefits but also “Kosovo’s credibility as a reliable partner in European processes,” according to the statement from civil society organizations.
They called on the Kosovo Assembly and its deputies to “put the public interest and the future of citizens above narrow political calculations and ratify this agreement as soon as possible.”
“The ratification of this agreement, together with the loan agreement, is key to qualifying for pre-financing of €61.8 million. This plan foresees the implementation of important reforms for the country’s European integration as well as their financing through funds from the EU. Kosovo is expected to benefit up to €883 million for the implementation of the Reform Agenda,” the civil society reaction stated.
The European Union’s Growth Plan aims to accelerate the integration of the Western Balkan states into the European bloc, and according to civil society, it presents an extraordinary opportunity for economic development and European integration.
The Kosovo Assembly has not yet been established, even though the constitutive session began on April 15th. So far, deputies have failed in 23 attempts to complete this process. The issue is stuck on the election of the Speaker of the Assembly, the proposal for which belongs to the winner of the February elections, the Vetëvendosje Movement. This party has proposed Albulena Haxhiu for this position.
However, Haxhiu is considered a divisive figure by the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo. These two entities have requested that LVV propose another name for the Speaker of Parliament. The Democratic League of Kosovo, meanwhile, has said that it does not have the votes for any LVV nominee for the position of Speaker.
The international community has called on Kosovo to form new institutions after the February elections. Only after the constitution of the Assembly will the way be opened for the election of the new Government of Kosovo.
