SP(2012)426

Results of vote in Parliament

The European Parliament adopted by 475 votes to 97 against, and 76 abstentions a resolution tabled on behalf of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the European Integration Process of Kosovo.

Parliament notes that the declaration of independence of Kosovo has been recognised by 88 countries, including 22 EU Member States, and it states that it would welcome the remaining five EU Member States doing the same , as well as taking a more active part in mediation between Serbia and Kosovo. It reiterates how important it is for the EU to engage with Kosovo. This commitment is vital for preserving stability and security in the EU's immediate neighbourhood. Members consider the diplomatic pressure exerted by Serbia to prevent some countries from recognising Kosovo as regrettable. They reiterate the view expressed in Parliament’s resolutions that the possibility of partitioning Kosovo should be rejected.

Stabilisation and Association Agreement : the resolution stresses the European perspective of Kosovo, in line with the European perspective of the whole Western Balkans region, which is a powerful incentive for the necessary reforms. However, it underlines that the EU strategy to make this perspective tangible to Kosovar citizens has not been successful so far and that few results have been achieved. Parliament welcomes the Commission’s intention to launch a feasibility study for the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Kosovo and the Union, and hopes that it can be finished at the latest in autumn 2012.

Parliamentary elections : Members go on to state their concern about serious irregularities during the parliamentary elections in December 2010, calling for proper investigation of electoral fraud, and adequate punishment of all perpetrators in order to end the culture of impunity that undermines society's trust in – and the legitimacy of – state institutions. They call on all parties, whether in government or in opposition, swiftly to proceed with the promised constitutional and electoral reforms, in order to make the electoral system more transparent and to bring it in line with international standards.

Visa liberalisation : Parliament welcomes the start of the visa dialogue, in accordance with previous commitments regarding the European perspective of the Western Balkans and without prejudice to Member States' positions on the status of Kosovo, in order to counter the increasing isolation among Kosovar citizens. It expects the Commission to present the roadmap on visa liberalisation this spring, adopting the same approach as it has for other Western Balkans countries, namely through the preparation of a roadmap addressing four blocks of issues, the main objective being to achieve visa liberalisation at the end of this process.

Internally displaced and returnees : Members stress that the return of refugees and internally displaced persons remains a challenge for Kosovo. It welcomes the efforts of the Kosovar authorities in this field, and encourages further efforts on central and local level to ensure the socio-economic integration of the returnees, taking into special consideration the needs of the Serbian, Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian returnees. It underlines the importance of resolving property restitution issues of the returnees and of ensuring the restoration of property rights of Serbian citizens in Kosovo.

Relations with Serbia : Members underline the importance of the dialogue with Belgrade, carried out after the agreement between Serbia and Kosovo concluded at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2010 and facilitated by the EU. They welcome the fact that nine rounds have taken place so far, resulting in several preliminary agreements. However, Parliament is concerned that previous agreements, important to improve the everyday lives of citizens on both sides, such as those concerning the handover of all civil registries to the Kosovar authorities and customs stamps, respectively, had not been fully implemented by the Serbian side. It calls on the Serbian government to show willingness to achieve the aims of the dialogue. Furthermore, Parliament stresses that both sides are expected to pursue a pragmatic approach.

Members are deeply concerned about the unstable and tense situation in the north . They call for efforts to restore the rule of law in this area by intensifying the fight against organised crime and the criminal structures using this area as a safe heaven, out of control of any authority. Parliament underlines that implementation of the Ahtisaari plan in the north would give Kosovar Serbs broad autonomy, guaranteeing their rights and fundamental freedoms. It calls on the Kosovar Government to make every effort to develop and implement an effective outreach strategy to citizens in the north in order to facilitate this.

EULEX: Parliament asks for EU initiatives to strengthen the efficiency and acceptance of this important mission in the whole territory of Kosovo. It calls on Kosovar authorities to enhance their cooperation with EULEX and to ensure support for EULEX's work in all areas of its mandate. The core activities of addressing corruption and organised crime as well as war crimes should be stepped up so that the mission can deliver more tangible results . Parliament is concerned about the large backlog of cases and encourages EULEX to take concrete actions to move high-level corruption cases forward. The EU and its Member States are asked to ensure adequate logistical arrangements to allow EULEX staff to fulfil the mission mandate in crisis situations, such as the one currently occurring on the northern gates in the Mitrovicë/Mitrovica region. Members underline the necessity for effective internal management, coordination and cooperation within EULEX.

Corruption and organised crime : Parliament stresses that widespread and systemic corruption continues to be a major challenge in the country, as in the rest of the Western Balkans region. It emphasises that the existing climate of impunity, and the absence of adequate sanctions for corruption, presents one of the biggest problems in Kosovo, and urges the Kosovar authorities to develop a track record of prosecution of anti-corruption cases, including at the highest levels of political and economic power. Members are also seriously concerned about the role played by Kosovo organised crime in various criminal activities in the region, involving drugs and trafficking in human beings. It notes that the capacity of the police and judiciary to fight organised crime remains at an early stage of development, and calls on the Kosovar authorities to take immediate steps to improve this capacity, as well as increase the quality and transparency of the legislative process.

Members go on to stress the need for improvements to the judiciary and the civil service and the importance of strong and independent media . They call for measures to ensure transparency in media ownership and to ensure the financial and editorial independence of the public broadcaster, i.a. by apportioning an appropriate share – such as 20 % – of its programming, including current affairs programs, to independent producers.

Parliament also expresses concern that discrimination is still a serious problem in the country, and calls on the Government to implement a broad anti-discrimination strategy in line with international human rights standards. It draws attention to the situation of women and of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, and to the need to ensure the educational integration of all children through education in their respective mother tongue.

Lastly, Parliament stresses the importance of upgrading Kosovo's relations and representation within international cultural and heritage institutions and sports organisations, with particular reference to the International Olympic Committee with a view to enabling Kosovar athletes to participate in the London Olympic Games.

T7-0115/2012

Debate in Parliament

B7-0187/2012