Participation of Kosovo* in EU programmes

SUMMARY OF:

Framework agreement on Kosovo’s involvement in EU programmes

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THIS AGREEMENT?

It makes Kosovo eligible for participation in selected EU programmes and sets out the conditions for this involvement, such as integration into the economic and fiscal surveillance framework, and the requirement to meet standards and make appropriate financial contributions.

KEY POINTS

In 2007 the European Council underlined that the EU stood ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the Western Balkans region, and stated that it was willing to assist Kosovo in the path towards sustainable stability. The EU has reaffirmed that it is ready to assist economic and political development through a clear European perspective, while Kosovo has expressed the wish to participate in a number of EU programmes.

This framework makes Kosovo eligible for participation in certain EU projects, as part of activating the second phase of the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II), and strengthening the process set in motion by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Kosovo, which came into force on 1 April 2016.

The main points of the framework agreement are as follows.

Kosovo is now eligible to participate in a number of EU programmes, listed below, as well as any new programme specifically providing for the participation of Kosovo.
Participation depends on Kosovo's commitment and progress in applying standards in the relevant areas.
Kosovo will contribute financially to the general budget of the EU in proportion to the specific programmes in which it participates.
Kosovo representatives can take part as observers, where Kosovo is involved, in the management committees monitoring the programmes to which Kosovo contributes financially.
Projects and initiatives submitted by participants from Kosovo are subject to the same conditions as those applied in EU countries;
The terms of Kosovo's participation in each EU programme, in particular the financial contribution, will be decided between the European Commission and the authorities of Kosovo. Each agreement will stipulate, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, that financial control or audits will be under the authority of the Commission, the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Court of Auditors, who will have equivalent powers in relation to financial control and auditing, administrative measures, penalties and recovery as they have in the EU;
If Kosovo applies for EU pre-accession assistance under IPA II, the conditions will be determined in a financing agreement.

The agreement applies to the territories to which the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union applies, under the conditions set out therein, and the territory of Kosovo. It applies for an indeterminate period, but can be ended by either party with 6 months’ notice. It must be reviewed every 3 years based on the experience of Kosovo’s participation in EU programmes.

EU programmes which allow Kosovo’s participation, at the time of signing the agreement

FROM WHEN DOES THE AGREEMENT APPLY?

It has applied since 1 August 2017.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Kosovo (European Commission)
Kosovo and the EU (European External Action Service).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Framework Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo* on the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in Union programmes (OJ L 195, 27.7.2017, pp. 3-8)

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