COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
FINAL COMPROMISE AMENDMENTS
Draft Report on the 2019-2020 Commission reports on Kosovo
(2019/2172(INI))
Rapporteur: Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel (Greens/EFA)
version of 18/02/2021
PARAGRAPHS
COMP 1
Paragraph 1
AM58 (Mandl/EPP), AM59 (Rapporteur), AM60 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew)
AM54 (ID), AM55 (ID), AM56 (The Left), AM57 (EPP) fall
1.
Welcomes Kosovo’s continued
and strong (AM58, AM60) commitment to advancing
on its European path
and to accelerate reforms (AM59), as well as the strong support for
European integration among Kosovo’s population
and its European identity (AM58);
AM61 (ID) VOTE
COMP 2
Paragraph 2
AM63 (Mandl/EPP), AM64 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew)
AM62 (The Left) fall
1
2.
Regrets the limited progress in implementing the ERA
1,
while acknowledging the
commitment of the Government for a broad reform process as foreseen by ERA 2; (AM63,
AM64)
[and] calls on the Kosovo authorities to take ownership of the process, demonstrate
greater political will and improve administrative capacity in order to enhance implementation
of the EU-related reforms;
COMP 3
Paragraph 3
AM68 (Mandl/EPP), AM69 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM70 (Rapporteur)
AM65 (EPP), AM66 (The Left), AM67 (ID)
3.
Expresses concern about the dissolution of the Ministry of the EU Integration, and calls
on the Government of Kosovo to
fully and properly integrate the former structures of the
Ministry [of EU Integration] as foreseen by the newly approved Regulation on the
Organisational Structure of the Prime Minister’s Office [as well as] to (AM68, AM69) ensure
that the new structure is granted the level of competence and responsibilities appropriate to
ensuring proper coordination
and steering (AM70) of the integration process;
COMP 4
Paragraph 4
AM71 (Picula et al./S&D), AM72 (Rapporteur), AM73 (Picula et al./S&D)
4.
Welcomes the peaceful and orderly conduct of the early legislative elections of
6 October 2019
, but expresses its concern over the lack of competition, freedom of choice
and expression in the Kosovo Serb community (AM72); stresses the importance of addressing
all the shortcomings identified and recommendations made by the EUEOM;
regrets that
Kosovo continues to struggle with political instability following the elections (AM71)
and, in
this regard, calls on all political forces in Kosovo to [reform the political system, through
constitutional changes, in order to] improve legal certainty and [the process of] new
government [formation] (AM 73 and Rapporteur)
;
AM74 (withdrawn)
COMP 5
Paragraph 5
2
AM81 (Mandl/EPP), AM82 (Rapporteur), AM83 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM84 (Picula et
al./S&D)
AM75 (The Left), AM76 (EPP), AM77 (ID), AM78 (NI), AM79 (ID), AM80 (Renew) fall
5.
Welcomes the Commission’s
confirmation, in its 2020 Kosovo report, of statement of
26 August 2020 confirming (AM82) its assessment
of regarding (AM82) Kosovo’s ability to
benefit from the visa liberalisation regime, and calls on the Council to urgently proceed with
the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of Kosovo;
recalls, in this regard, that
Kosovo continues to fulfil all the benchmarks of the visa liberalisation roadmap, as
consistently confirmed by the Commission since July 2018 (AM 81, AM 82)
; regrets that
during 2020 the Council still did not manage to adopt the visa liberalisation for Kosovo;
(AM84)
takes the view that visa liberalisation will improve stability and bring Kosovo closer
to the EU by improving the ease of travelling and doing business; (AM81)
notes that the
isolation of Kosovo citizens is impacting the implementation of EU programmes and that the
lack of a decision from the Council is withholding urgently needed opportunities for the
citizens of Kosovo, weakening the EU’s credibility, and could have an impact on the
Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue; (AM81, AM82, AM83)
COMP 6
Paragraph 6
AM 87 (Zovko/EPP), AM 88 (Mandl/EPP),
AM 85 (The Left), AM86 (ID) fall
6.
Calls on the EU Member States to show continued commitment to enlargement,
delivering on their promises once conditions are met, (AM 88) and to pursue a more effective
communication policy towards EU citizens on enlargement;
calls on the Commission and the
EU delegation to Kosovo to step up their efforts in promoting the role, efforts and benefits
of the closer partnership between the EU and Kosovo (AM 87)
;
AM90 (EPP) - VOTE
COMP 7
Paragraphs 8 and 8a (new) [transatlantic cooperation]
AM94 (Mandl/EPP), AM95 (Kovatchev/EPP), AM96 (Rapporteur), AM97 (Zovko/EPP),
AM98 (McAllister/EPP), AM100 (Mandl/EPP), AM102 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew)
AM91 (The Left), AM92 (The Left), AM93 (ID) fall
3
8.
Notes the signature of
the agreement agreements (AM98) for economic normalisation
between by (AM98) Kosovo and Serbia on 4 September in Washington;
regrets, however,
provisions in the text that ask Kosovo to stop seeking membership in international
organisations; (AM96)
welcomes the renewed engagement of the United States and
underlines the need for the EU and the United States to strengthen their partnership and
coordination in the Western Balkans; (AM94, AM102) underlines that transatlantic
cooperation is
a crucial an important (AM97) factor for stability in the region
[and] stresses
the leading role of the EU as mediator in the process of normalisation of relations between
Kosovo and Serbia; (AM94, AM95)
8a (new)
Acknowledges the important contribution of KFOR and the participating
States in maintaining a safe and secure environment, freedom of movement for all citizens
in Kosovo and in facilitating the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans; (AM100)
AM101 (The Left), - VOTE
COMP 8
Paragraph 8b (new)
AM96 (Rapporteur), AM99 (Picula et al./S&D)
8b (new)
Recalls that establishing an Embassy of Kosovo to Israel in Jerusalem would
go against the position of the European Union on the two-state solution to the Israel-
Palestine dispute; (AM96, AM99)
COMP 9
Paragraph 9
AM105 (Mandl/EPP)
AM104 (ID) falls
9.
Welcomes the progress in adapting the legal framework on the rule of law
, including
the Law on the disciplinary liability of judges and prosecutors and the Law on mediation as
well as the roll-out of an electronic case management system and central criminal record
registry; (AM105) regrets, however, the weak level of implementation, and calls on the Kosovo
authorities to step up efforts in enforcing the laws to the benefit of their citizens
as well as [to]
ensure better coordination of various rule of law programmes supported by various donors,
including the development of an overall review and subsequent strategy for the entire rule
of law sector; (AM105)
4
COMP 10
Paragraph 10 and 10a (new)
AM106 (Castaldo/NI), AM108 (Rapporteur), AM109 (Nistor/EPP), AM110 (Paet/Renew)
AM107 (ID) falls
10.
Stresses the need to intensify the fight against corruption, and expresses its serious
concern about the abolition of the special anti-corruption
department task force (AM106,
AM108within the Kosovo Police (KP);
underlines that a strong political will is needed to
effectively fight corruption (AM110, AM108) and
calls on the Kosovo authorities to show
determination in combatting corruption at all levels; (AM106)
10a (new) Urges the government to create and maintain strong and dedicated entities that
will address organised crime and corruption (AM109)
and calls to cease any changes of law
enforcement and anti-corruption institutions based on party political interests; (AM108)
COMP 11
Paragraph 11, 11a (new), 11b (new) and 11c (new) [high-level corruption and organised
crime]
AM111 (Picula et al./S&D), AM 112 (Rapporteur), AM113 (Rapporteur), AM114
(Mandl/EPP), AM115 (Picula et al./S&D), AM116 (Mandl/EPP), AM120 (Rapporteur),
AM254 (Paet/Renew)
11.
Calls on Kosovo to improve
the implementation of (AM113) its regulatory measures
for relating to (AM113) the freezing, confiscation and recovery of assets, and
for regarding
(AM113) final convictions in cases of high-level corruption, organised and financial crime,
money laundering and terrorist financing
, including suspension measures for public officials
indicted for such offenses, (AM114)
and to ensure there is no interference with operational
activities of law enforcement bodies and the prosecution; (AM113)
11a (new)
Is concerned that despite an adequate normative framework, Kosovo’s justice
system continues to be undermined by accountability shortcomings, transparency issues, and
political interference; (AM120);
regrets the lack of tangible results in the fight against
organised crime and expects more progress to be made in strengthening the track record on
the investigation and prosecution of high-level corruption and cases of organised crime,
(AM111, AM115, AM116)
including cases of trafficking in human beings and drugs, and
cybercrime, (AM111, AM116)
5
11b (new)
[Calls on Kosovo to] ensure that financial and audit reports of political party
financing are consistently available and sanctions are applied when they are due; (AM114)
notes also the need to improve the financial oversight and accountability of publicly owned
enterprises; (AM113)
welcomes [in this respect] the proposal for the new Law on Financing
of Political Parties and encourages the National Assembly to adopt a legal framework
regulating political party financing in line with the Venice Commission recommendations;
(AM112)
11c (new)
Welcomes the steps taken in building cybersecurity capacity, most notably by
adopting its first National Cybersecurity Strategy; considers it crucial to maintain this
momentum to enable the full enforcement of legislative initiatives in this area and to tackle
the shortage of skilled professionals in ICT and cybersecurity; (AM254)
COMP 12
Paragraph 11d (new), 11e (new) and 11f (new) [fighting terrorism and radicalisation]
AM117 (Castaldo/NI), AM118 (Mandl/EPP), AM119 (Rapporteur), AM121 (Mandl/EPP),
AM122 (Paet/Renew), AM123 (Rapporteur), AM124 (Rapporteur), AM125 (Rapporteur),
AM126 (Dzhambazki/ECR), AM288 (Rapporteur), AM289 (Mandl/EPP)
11d (new)
Commends Kosovo’s efforts in fighting radicalisation, terrorism and violent
extremism, including in stemming the outflow of foreign fighters; (AM121, AM122, AM124,
AM125)
underlines that additional efforts are needed in addressing the financing of
terrorism, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign fighters; (AM124)
calls for
active regional cooperation and greater coordination and exchange of information between
the security services of the Republic of Kosovo and the EU [and its Member States] in
countering potential terrorist activities (AM121, AM125, AM126)
; urges Kosovo to address
online radicalisation and external extremist influences and calls on the Commission and the
Member States to assist Kosovo in this important endeavour; (AM121)
11e (new)
Is concerned by third countries’ efforts in supporting radicalisation,
especially of young people, often by financing or providing significant resources such as to
education institutions in Kosovo, which could be breeding grounds for radicalisation
(AM123)
[and] that the current COVID-related situation could have detrimental effects on
the de-radicalisation efforts, given the worsening economic situation (AM122)
; welcomes
the conclusion of a Working Arrangement between the Kosovo Police and Europol, which
will constitute the basis for enhanced cooperation in fighting terrorism and extremism as
well as transnational organised crime, and calls for its implementation as soon as possible;
(AM117, AM118, AM119)
11f (new)
Commends Kosovo in its continuous and constructive cooperation on
migration (AM288, AM289)
and the continued reduction in the number of asylum requests
6
and readmissions of Kosovo’s citizens as well as the good cooperation of Kosovar authorities
on readmission; (AM289)
takes positive note of the adoption of the Regulation on
Integration of Foreigners and calls for its full implementation; (AM289)
stresses that further
actions are needed to ensure sufficient administrative and enforcement capacity to tackle
migration challenges, including smuggling of migrants; (AM288)
COMP 13
Paragraph 12
AM128 (Mandl/EPP), AM129 (Rapporteur),
AM 127 (ID) falls
AM130 (Castaldo/NI) withdrawn
12.
Welcomes the adoption
by the Kosovo Judicial Council (AM129) of measures helping
to limit
external interference undue influence (AM128) in judicial proceedings, as well as
the increase in final court judgments published; believes that further measures are required to
ensure greater independence
and de-politicisation (AM128) of the judiciary and to stop undue
interference in high-profile cases;
COMP 14
Paragraph 13 and 13a
AM131 (Rapporteur), AM132 (Castaldo/NI), AM133 (McAllister/EPP), AM134
(Rapporteur), AM135 (Mandl/EPP), AM136 (Picula et al./S&D)
13.
Reiterates its
full (AM 132) support for the work of the
Kosovo (AM133) Specialist
Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office
, which are an important demonstration of
Kosovo’s commitment to the rule of law and whose work is also in the interest of Kosovo
(AM131); stresses the importance of the Specialist Chambers being able to continue their work
independently, without any outside interference;
welcomes the prolongation of the mandate
of the KSC and its work in The Hague (AM131)
13a (new)
Welcomes the prolongation of the mandate of the EULEX mission (AM134,
AM135)
and asks Kosovo to fully cooperate with EULEX and with the Specialist Chambers
and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in good faith; (AM132, AM134)
regrets
the
attempts to undermine the mandate of EULEX; (AM136)
reiterates its call on EULEX to
7
increase its effectiveness and uphold the highest standards of transparency and a zero-
tolerance approach to corruption; (AM135)
AM137 (Rapporteur) - VOTE
COMP 15
Paragraph 14
AM139 (Rapporteur), AM140 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM142 (Mandl/EPP)
AM138 (ID), AM141 (NI) fall
14.
Reiterates that selections and appointments for high-level decision-making positions in
the civil service and publicly owned enterprises remain of great concern
and notes that
appointments for such positions need to take place on the basis of a merit-based, fair and
competitive process; (AM140, 142);
acknowledges the efforts of the government of Kosovo
through signing the memorandums of understanding with the United Kingdom to oversee
this process; (AM140);
repeats its call for progress and clear political commitment to public
administration reform by advancing the implementation of the relevant legislation; (AM139)
COMP 16
Paragraph 15
AM143 (Rapporteur), AM144 (Mandl/EPP), AM145 (Mandl/EPP), AM258 (Picula et
al./S&D)
15.
Welcomes the improvement in the organisation of the work of the
National Kosovo
(AM144) Assembly and the management of plenary sessions based on the rules of procedure;
regrets however the frequent lack of quorum, and
ongoing hold-ups in parliamentary work,
which has been particularly damaging in the process of adopting the pandemic-related relief
package; (AM143)
regrets that the Assembly of Kosovo was unable to pass a second
economic recovery package in the first attempt, (AM258)
underlines the importance of
political stability and (AM145) calls on the Assembly and the Government
to work together
in the spirit of constructiveness, [and] (AM145) to adhere to parliamentary best practices;
COMP 17
Paragraph 16
AM147 (Zovko/EPP), AM148 (Rapporteur), AM221 (Rapporteur)
8
AM146 (ID), falls
16.
Notes that Kosovo’s legal and institutional framework broadly guarantees the
protection of human
, minority (AM147) and fundamental rights; underlines that challenges
remain in its implementation, in particular as regards language rights
, including multilingual
broadcasting, a lack of which impacts the minority communities’ access to information and
has been particularly harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic; (AM148)
calls on Kosovo to
provide equal and non-discriminatory state education in minority languages (AM147)
and
ensure access to official documents in all official languages across Kosovo, (AM 221)
as
well equal opportunities, adequate representation in political life, access to public
administration and judiciary; (AM147)
COMP 18
Paragraph 17
AM149 (Rapporteur), AM152 (Mandl/EPP), AM153 (Paet/Renew), AM155 (Bilčík/EPP)
AM151 (ID), AM154 (EPP) fall
17.
Calls for greater protection and inclusion of persons belonging to minorities, including
Roma, Ashkali
, and Egyptians,
Serbs, (AM155)
Bosniak, Turkish and Gorani (AM152) as
well as persons with disabilities
and displaced persons (AM153), by providing them with
adequate health and social protection and care
, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic
and in light of its socio-economic consequences; (AM149) urges more efforts to fight
discrimination and antigypsyism;
is particularly concerned by the social discrimination
against Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, their exclusion from political and social
decision-making and continued lack of resources and access to employment opportunities,
justice, public services, housing, healthcare, sewage systems, and running water; (AM149)
AM150 (EPP, ECR), AM156 (EPP, ECR) - VOTE
COMP 19
Paragraph 18, 18 a (new), 18 b (new), 18c (new) and 18d (new) [media, information
environment and disinformation]
AM103 (Rapporteur), AM158 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM159 (Rapporteur), AM160
(Mandl/EPP), AM161 (Paet/Renew), AM162 (Rapporteur), AM163 (Mandl/EPP), AM164
(Mandl/EPP), AM165 (Rapporteur), AM166 (Rapporteur)
18.
Notes the failure to ensure the financial and editorial freedom of the public broadcaster;
reiterates the need to guarantee
ful media (AM158) transparency,
of including (AM158)
media ownership
, as well as independence of media, free from any political influence;
calls
9
for a swift appointment of the Head of the Information and Privacy Agenda (AM159);
stresses the need to step up the fight against threats and attacks against journalists and end
impunity for these crimes; (AM159, AM161)
recognises that despite these challenges,
freedom of expression is enshrined in Kosovo’s Constitution and there is a pluralistic and
lively media environment; (AM159, AM160)
18a (new)
Encourages the establishment of a multinational and multilingual public
broadcaster that would unite people and promote Peace and reconciliation among Southeast
European States, following the example of ARTE; (AM164)
18b (new)
Regrets the increasing number of SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public
Participation) cases, by which journalists and individuals are being threatened and sued in
order to silence them and make public debate impossible; (AM166)
18c (new)
Welcomes the adoption of the Law on Protection of Whistleblowers and
encourages to proceed with all the necessary by-laws for its effective and efficient
implementation; calls in this respect for the swift appointment of the Commissioner for the
Information and Privacy Agency; (AM165)
18d (new)
Is concerned about disinformation campaigns to delegitimise Kosovo’s
statehood; (AM103)
Calls for the strengthening of European cooperation with Kosovo on
addressing disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the European
perspective of the region and to fight regional disinformation campaigns, including by more
strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to citizens in the region (AM162, AM163)
;
reminds of the strong link between weaknesses in media freedom and opportunities for local
and foreign actors to manipulate facts and spread disinformation; calls on the Commission
and the EEAS to closely cooperate on those linkages [and overlapping challenges], as well
as to foster the creation of a Balkan-focused Centre of Excellence on disinformation;
(AM162)
COMP 20
Paragraph 19 and 19a (new) [civil society and international donors]
AM167 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM168 (Mandl/EPP), AM169 (Rapporteur), AM171
(Rapporteur)
AM170 (ID) falls
19.
Commends the continued efforts of Kosovo authorities to enhance the ability of civil
society to contribute meaningfully to policy development; (AM167, AM168) calls for
further
improving better (AM167, AM168) cooperation between government and civil society, and
10
for increased participation of civil society in policymaking;
reiterates the need for an
enhanced accountability and transparency in public funding for civil society; (AM167,
AM169)
19a (new)
Is concerned by the lack of coordination of international donors, cited by
several organisations active in the country, and urges the Kosovar government to take action
in order to avoid doubling efforts and unnecessary overlaps, and to manage its relations with
international donors more effectively; (AM171)
COMP 21
Paragraph 20
AM173 (Rapporteur)
AM172 (ECR) falls
20.
Welcomes the progress on the protection of LGBTI rights at the legislative and policy
level; notes, however, the need for full implementation of the existing anti-discrimination
framework, and calls for the proper investigation of cases of hate crime against LGBTI persons;
calls on the government to include same-sex partnerships in the Civil Code project, as
guaranteed by the country’s Constitution; (AM173)
COMP 22
Paragraph 21
AM175 (Rapporteur), AM177 (Mandl/EPP),
AM174 (EPP), AM176 (EPP) fall
21.
Hails the unanimous decision by the (AM 177) Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo
on 25 September 2020 (AM 175, AM177) to give direct effect to the Council of Europe
Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence
(Istanbul Convention);
expects the Kosovo government to move swiftly to implement the
content of the Convention and provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to that
effect; (AM175)
COMP 23
Paragraph 22 and 22a (new)
AM179 (Mandl/EPP), AM180 (Rapporteur), AM181 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM182
(Rapporteur)
11
AM 178 (ID) falls
22.
Welcomes the adoption of the Kosovo programme for gender equality as well as the
work of the Women’s Caucus in the Kosovo Assembly (AM179); calls on the Kosovo
authorities to increase efforts to promote gender equality
and strengthen the economic
position of women (AM179, AM181), including by prioritising gender mainstreaming and
increased cooperation with civil society, including women’s organisations, as well as by
creating an environment conducive to the better representation of women in decision-making
positions
and by making sure school textbooks do not perpetuate stereotypes and
discrimination;
calls in this respect for the participation of women in the negotiation team
responsible for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue; equally, demands that the EU side supports
this endeavour and these efforts by adhering to the above mentioned recommendations itself;
(AM180)
22a (new)
Is concerned about the inactivity rate of women, including due to ongoing
gender discrimination in the labour market, and calls on the Kosovo authorities to improve
the participation of women in the labour market; urges Kosovo to adapt the new Labour law
to also regulate leave in order to avoid gender-based discrimination when it comes to rights
related to maternity leave, paternity leave and parental leave; (AM182)
COMP 24
Paragraph 23, 23a (new) and 23b (new)
AM177 (Mandl/EPP), AM185 (Rapporteur), AM186 (Rapporteur), AM188 (Rapporteur)
AM183 (EPP), AM184 (ECR) fall
23.
Reiterates its concern about the scale of domestic and gender-based violence; welcomes
the revisions of the Criminal Code in this respect
, as well as improvements observed in the
EULEX report in certain aspects of the Kosovo police’s handling of sexual violence cases;
(AM185) notes, however, that the
lack of prosecutions and serious punishment, (AM185)
impunity of perpetrators
, insufficient systems for tracking and case databases, lack of
adequate resources and services for victims (shelters, centres for examination, trauma
support, counselling), outstanding training and institutionalised treatment protocols for the
entire justice system are (AM185) still of concern;
23a (new)
Stresses the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact
on women and minorities by deepening inequality, exacerbating existing problems,
including increased domestic violence, and calls on the Kosovar government and authorities
to take these issues into account in their responses to the pandemic; (AM186)
12
23b (new)
Hails the adoption of the Law on Child Protection, as a significant step in the
protection of children’s rights in Kosovo (AM188)
; highlights the importance of the fight
against violence against children; (AM177)
stresses that adequate financial and human
resources are needed to ensure its effective implementation; points to a particular need to
tackle the persistent problem of child and forced marriages, especially in Roma, Ashkali,
and Egyptian communities, by introducing a legal age for marriage and ensuring adequate
actions by and reporting to law enforcement and justice institutions; (AM188)
AM187 (Rapporteur) - VOTE
COMP 25
Paragraph 24
AM192 (EPP)
AM189 (The Left), AM190 (NI), AM191 (ID) fall
24.
Welcomes Kosovo’s efforts in maintaining constructive neighbourly relations
throughout the region and in proactively aligning with the EU’s common foreign and security
policy (CFSP);
welcomes Kosovo’s commitment to regional initiatives and calls for the
implementation of obligations within various regional frameworks that advance the
Common Regional Market; (AM 192)
COMP 26
Paragraph 25, 25a (new)
AM197 (Mandl/EPP), AM199 (Castaldo/NI), AM200 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM201
(McAllister/EPP), AM204 (Mandl/EPP), AM223 (Rapporteur), AM 224 (Bilčík/EPP)
AM193 (ID), AM194 (The Left), AM195 (ID), AM196 (EPP) fall
25.
Stresses that normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is a priority and a
precondition for EU accession
of both countries (AM197, AM200)
that would also be
essential in securing stability and prosperity for the wider region;
acknowledges the
increased engagement from both sides in the EU-facilitated dialogue (AM197)
[and] calls
for active and constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated dialogue led by the EU Special
Representative, seeking a comprehensive
, sustainable (AM201)) and legally binding
agreement in accordance with international law; reiterates its call to move forward with the full
implementation, in good faith and in a timely manner, of all the agreements already reached
[including] the establishing of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities
without further delay; (AM223, AM224)
calls on the EEAS to set up a mechanism to monitor
and verify the implementation of all the agreements so far reached and to report periodically
13
to the European Parliament about the state of play; (AM199)
in this regard, reiterates its
full support for the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav
Lajčák; (AM 204)
25a new
Urges the Serbian and Kosovo Governments to refrain from any action that
could undermine trust between the parties and put the constructive continuation of the
dialogue at risk; (AM197)
reiterates the importance of the multi-ethnic nature of both
Kosovo and Serbia and that ethnically homogeneous states should not be the objective in the
region;
COMP 27
Paragraph 25b (new) and 25c (new)
AM198 (Rapporteur), AM202 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM203 (Picula et al./S&D),
25b new
Underlines that the long-term stability and prosperity of Kosovo remains
dependent on the development of relations between the Kosovo Albanians and the Kosovo
Serbs and that all political forces are responsible to uphold and support a political culture
based on tolerance, inclusion and mutual understanding and respect; (AM202)
25c new
Calls on Kosovo to tackle ongoing internal problems of its approach to the
dialogue, introduce a dedicated team for the negotiations, as well as a joint negotiating
platform and a dialogue between the ruling coalition and opposition parties; (AM198)
stresses that the conduct of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue must be open and transparent
and that the officials in charge for it should regularly consult with the Kosovo Assembly on
its developments; invites the government to communicate better the results of the dialogue
to the citizens of Kosovo; (AM203)
COMP 28
Paragraph 26
AM212 (Nistor/EPP), AM213 (Rapporteur), AM214 (Mandl/EPP), AM215 (Zovko/EPP),
AM216 (Castaldo/NI)
AM 205 (EPP), AM206 (ID), AM207 (The Left), AM208 (NI), AM209 (ID), AM210 (EPP),
AM211 (The Left) fall
26.
Notes that five [EU] Member States have not yet recognised Kosovo, and reiterates its
call for them to do so
and to reaffirm credible European commitment to the enlargement
process (AM215); stresses that
the independence of Kosovo is irreversible [and that]
(AM216) recognition would be beneficial to the normalisation of relations between Kosovo
14
and Serbia,
would enhance and consolidate the stability of the region and facilitate the EU
integration of both states; (AM212)
welcomes the recent recognition of the independence of
Kosovo by Israel within the framework of the agreements signed in Washington but
(AM214)
condemns Serbia’s non-recognition campaign against Kosovo, which led to several
countries withdrawing their recognition; (AM213)
COMP 29
Paragraph 27, 27a (new)
AM220 (Mandl/EPP), AM221 (Rapporteur), AM222 (Bilčík/EPP), AM223 (Rapporteur),
AM218 (S&D), AM219 (ID) falls
27.
Commends the good regional cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia in the fight
against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, including cooperation between the mayors of
North and South (AM220) Mitrovica and communication between Ministers of Health;
27a (new)
Regrets that the Mitrovica Bridge has not yet been opened to all traffic, in
spite of the completion of the renovation works; (AM221, AM222)
calls on the Serbian and
Kosovar authorities to promote people-to-people contacts between local communities in
order to strengthen dialogue, including at a non-governmental level; (AM221)
calls on the
Commission, EEAS and the Council to support the Prime Minister and his team in the
internal reconciliation dialogue with Kosovo Serbs, providing concrete security guarantees
and opportunities for socio-economic integration, (AM223)
COMP 30
Paragraph 27 c (new)
AM225 (Mandl/EPP), AM226 (Rapporteur), AM227 (Zovko/EPP)
27 c (new)
Welcomes the Commission’s efforts to invest more strategically in the Western
Balkans through a dedicated Economic and Investment Plan (EIP); (AM225, AM226,
AM227)
recognises the importance of the EIP in supporting sustainable connectivity,
human capital, competitiveness and inclusive growth as well in (AM227)
reinforcing
regional and cross-border cooperation; (AM225, AM226, AM227S)
stresses that any
investment must be in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and EU
decarbonisation targets; (AM226)
15
COMP 31
Paragraph 28
AM229 (Rapporteur), AM230 (Bilčík/EPP)
AM228 (ID) falls
28.
Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional Commission for the
establishment of facts about war crimes and other gross human rights violations on the territory
of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM);
highlights the importance of the work carried out by the
Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) (AM229, AM230)
and welcomes Kosovo’s
active participation; reiterates the need to reach out to young people from the northern
municipalities and to integrate them in the socio-economic structures of the country;
(AM229)
COMP 32
Paragraph 29 and 29a (new)
AM157 (Mandl/EPP), AM231 (Rapporteur), AM232 (Picula et al./S&D), AM233 (Kyuchyuk
et al./Renew), AM234 (Mandl/EPP), AM235 (Rapporteur)
29.
Calls for more efforts in dealing with the requests of family members of missing
persons, the opening of
all (AM233, AM234) wartime archives, and for information to be
revealed about people who are still listed as missing from the 1998-99 Kosovo war;
urges the
implementation of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council’s strategy on war crimes that is still
severely hampered by political issues, a lack of resources and the lack of international and
regional cooperation; underlines the importance of information on grave sites and
investigation and adjudication of all war crimes in order to provide justice for victims;
(AM231)
calls on Serbia to investigate the remains of three bodies that have been exhumed
so far during searches in a mass grave in Kizevak village of Raska municipality near Kosovo
border discovered in November 2020 that are believed to be Kosovo Albanians; (AM232)
29a (new).
Commends Kosovo for the peaceful co-existence of religious communities,
and highlights the importance of the continued protection of the cultural heritage and
property rights of all religious communities; (AM157)
encourages Kosovo authorities to use
cultural heritage as a means of bringing different communities together and to promote
more effectively the multi-ethnic cultural and religious heritage of the country; is
concerned by the growing trend towards monolingualism and the lack of understanding of
different languages of Kosovo communities, particularly among young people; therefore
stresses the need to learn each other’s languages, introduce platforms to interact, adapt the
education system, and tackle the underrepresentation of non-majority communities in the
civil service; (AM235)
16
AM236 (Rapporteur), AM237 (EPP), AM238 (The Left) - VOTE
COMP 33
Paragraph 31, 31 a (new) and 31 b (new)
AM240 (Mandl/EPP), AM241 (Rapporteur), AM242 (Picula et al./S&D), AM243
(Mandl/EPP), AM245 (Rapporteur), AM246 (Paet/Renew)
31.
Stresses the need for urgent implementation of active labour market policies, including
upskilling
, vocational education (AM240, AM242) and on-the-job training, in order to
increase employment of vulnerable groups;
underlines that the training and education system
should be reformed to cope with labour and market needs (AM241)
[and] calls to include
persons belonging to minority groups in the design and implementation of employment
measures; (AM243)
; reiterates the importance of creating further opportunities for youth
and women; (AM241)
31 a (new)
Expresses serious concern about the massive emigration of highly-skilled
workers from Kosovo [and] calls [for Kosovo] to introduce comprehensive socio-economic
measures to address demographic decline; (AM240)
calls on the Commission [and the
Western Balkans countries] to develop a regional strategy to address the persistent youth
unemployment by tackling the skills mismatch between the education system and the labour
market, improving the quality of teaching, and ensuring adequate funding for active labour
market measures and vocational training schemes, along with adequate childcare and pre-
school education facilities; (AM243)
31 b (new).
Calls for considerable improvement in the area of education and the quality
of education (AM246)
urges Kosovo to work towards further progress of school reforms,
providing necessary learning materials and the right physical conditions for all students, in
particular regarding problems of access to education during the current pandemic; (AM245)
AM244 (NI), AM247 (EPP), AM248 (NI) - VOTE
COMP 34
Paragraph 32
AM250 (Rapporteur), AM251 (Mandl/EPP)
AM249 (ID) falls
27.
Welcomes the fact that Kosovo will also benefit from the EU Digital Single Market,
and (AM250) emphasises the need for investing in digitalisation as a way of
improving
services for citizens, (AM250) minimising the digital divide and ensuring equal access to the
17
internet, including for the most vulnerable groups and rural areas;
notes the great potential of
digitalisation for the development of Kosovo’s economy; (AM251)
AM253 (Rapporteur) - VOTE
COMP 35
Paragraphs 33, 33 a (new), 33 b (new) and 33 c (new) [COVID-19]
AM240 (Mandl/EPP),
AM252 (Rapporteur),
AM256 (Kyuchyuk/Renew), AM257
(Rapporteur), AM259 (Rapporteur), AM260 (Rapporteur), AM261 (Mandl/EPP)
AM255 (ID) falls
33.
Notes that the pandemic is putting the health system under stress; urges Kosovo to
strengthen the health sector in order to provide adequate and accessible primary health services
for all citizens, in particular through needs-based social benefits for the groups most affected
by the COVID-19 crisis;
notes that a high number of health professionals have left Kosovo,
which is further worsening the lack of healthcare professionals and has a detrimental impact
on the healthcare system; (AM240, AM257)
33 a (new)
Reiterates that the EU has swiftly mobilised immediate support for the
Western Balkans to tackle the health emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
and the socio-economic recovery of the region; (AM259)
notes the adoption of over EUR
138 million in assistance for Kosovo through the IPA 2019 and IPA 2020 programmes, out
of which EUR 50 million has been re-programmed to tackle the social and economic fallout
of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in the short and medium term; (AM260)
33 b (new) Underlines the importance of European solidarity and calls on the Commission
to further support Kosovo and the other Western Balkan states in their efforts to curb the
pandemic; (AM261)
calls on the Commission and the Council to include Kosovo in the joint
EU procurement for vaccination and allocate a sufficient amount of COVID-19 vaccines to
the citizens of all Western Balkan countries; (AM256, AM260)
33 c (new)
Notes that structural weaknesses have been exacerbated by the Covid-19
pandemic, in particular due to the delay in adopting the law on economic recovery, and urges
Kosovo authorities to implement effective structural reforms to mitigate the impact of
pandemic and accelerate the post-crisis economic recovery, including the lack of public
health insurance, as well as the issue of division of competences between President and
Prime Minister in handling the pandemic, as demonstrated when declaring a state of
emergency to enable a country-wide lockdown; (AM252)
18
AM262 (Rapporteur) - VOTE
COMP 36
Paragraphs 34 and 34a (new)
AM264 (Rapporteur), AM265 (NI)
AM263 (ID) falls
34.
Calls on the authorities to ensure alignment with EU standards and policy objectives on
climate protection and environment, in line with the commitments made under the Paris
Agreement and the strategic objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of the
European Green Deal, and asks Kosovo
to work on the implementation of the Green Agenda
for the Western Balkans, which mirrors European Green Deal
priorities; (AM264)
34a.
Welcomes the outcome of the Western Balkans summit of the 10 November 2020 in
Sofia, in the framework of the Berlin process, and continues to support any common
initiative to improve integration and good neighbourly relations in the region; welcomes the
endorsement of the Declaration on the Green Agenda that aligns with the EU Green Deal
and the readiness expressed by the leaders to take measures and align with relevant EU
policies setting the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050; (AM265)
COMP 37
Paragraph 35, 35 a (new), 35 b (new) and 35 c (new)
AM267 (Rapporteur), AM268 (Castaldo/NI), AM269 (Mandl/EPP), AM270 (Rapporteur),
AM271 (Rapporteur)
AM266 (ID) falls
35.
Is deeply concerned that the overwhelming majority of energy in Kosovo derives from
coal power
, as well as at the plans to build a new coal power plant; (AM267) urges Kosovo
to increase the sustainability of its energy sector by diversifying its
energy sources,
removing
without delay all non-compliant coal subsidies, decentralising
energy (AM267) production
and moving towards renewables;
notes that the legal framework needs to be aligned with the
EU Directives on large combustion plants and industrial emissions; (AM269)
calls on
Kosovo to conduct environmental impact assessments of international standard and adopt
necessary measures to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas; (AM267)
35 a (new)
Calls on the Kosovo authorities to stick to their commitment to shutting down
and decommissioning Kosovo A power plant; welcomes the willingness of the European
19
Commission to assist the Kosovo government in this process both financially and technically;
(AM268)
35 b (new)
Recalls that prioritising and improving energy efficiency measures, including
conversion of the existing coal- and petroleum products-based district heating into a high
efficiency cogeneration and renewables-based system is a key factor in reaching climate
targets; emphasises the importance of tackling energy poverty; (AM270)
35 c (new)
Calls on the full implementation of the Energy Community Treaty, including
the implementation of the state aid acquis and full opening of the national electricity market,
moving towards regional market integration; encourages work on regional connectivity and
completion of the Regional Energy Market; (AM271)
COMP 38
Paragraph 36
AM273 (Rapporteur), AM274 (Castaldo/NI), AM275 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM276
(Mandl/EPP)
AM272 (ID) falls
36.
Expresses serious concern about the continuing high rate of premature deaths due to
polluted air
stemming from the emissions exceeding the legally established ceilings for large
combustion plants (AM273); urges the Kosovo authorities to tackle air pollution immediately
and
to develop a credible plan to (AM274) phase out coal
in a cost-effective way; (AM276)
acknowledges the recent revision of the Energy Sector Strategy to address this issue [and]
(AM275)
calls on Kosovo to implement its National Emission Reduction Plan; (AM273)
COMP 39
Paragraph 37
AM277 (Rapporteur), AM278 (Mandl/EPP)
37.
Encourages Kosovo authorities to give more priority to the enforcement of
environmental legislation and biodiversity standards
in line with EU acquis (AM278)
, as well
as to environmental awareness and education among Kosovo citizens;
encourages Kosovo
to adopt the Law on Climate Change as soon as possible [and] calls to develop and adopt an
integrated National Energy and Climate Plan without further delay; (AM277)
20
COMP 40
Paragraph 37a (new)
AM269 (Mandl/EPP), AM287 (Rapporteur),
37a (new)
Calls on Kosovo to continue to increase the waste collection coverage, notably
with the improvement of separation of waste and recycling, introduce circular economy
measures to reduce waste and address the issue of illegal dumpsites, (AM287)
and to
urgently find the means for disposing of hazardous waste (AM269);
COMP 41
Paragraph 38
AM280 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM281 (Mandl/EPP)
AM279 (ID) falls
38.
Calls on Kosovo to implement credible and sustainable public transport and mobility
policies for addressing long-standing infrastructure deficiencies, including regular public
transport links to North Mitrovica
and all major towns throughout the country (AM280,
AM281);
COMP 42
Paragraph 38 a (new), 38 b (new) [IPA, second part similar to Serbia COMP 34]
AM89 (Pineda et al./The Left), AM282 (Picula et al./S&D), AM283 (Rapporteur)
38 a (new).
Welcomes the adoption of the 2020 IPA Annual Action Programme for
Kosovo of a total value of EUR 90 million, and insists that IPA funds are used ‘inter alia’ to
promote the green agenda by reinforcing environmental protection, contributing to
mitigation and increasing resilience to climate change and, accelerating the shift towards a
low-carbon economy; (AM283)
calls for increased transparency and closer parliamentary
scrutiny of the funds allocated to Kosovo and asks the Commission to better monitor the use
of EU funds and report any misuse; (AM 89, AM283)
38b (new).
Calls for the future Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) to
contain both, incentives and conditionality; considers it essential that IPA III supports
further strengthening of the fundamental values and good governance and is discontinued
in cases of systemic threats to the Union’s interests and values; believes that the principle of
the reversibility of the accession process under the renewed methodology should also be
clearly reflected in the pre-accession financing;
reiterates that the scale of financial
assistance should match the goal of Kosovo’s European perspective; (AM282)
21
AM239 (Rapporteur) VOTE
COMP 43
Paragraph 38 c (new)
AM217 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM284 (Mandl/EPP)
38 c (new).
Calls for the creation of new opportunities for high level political and policy
dialogue with the Western Balkans countries, through regular EU-Western Balkans
summits and intensified ministerial contacts; calls for an active engagement and the
appropriate inclusion of the Western Balkans countries in the Conference on the Future of
Europe; (AM217, AM284)
AM285 (Rapporteur) - withdrawn
AM286 (Rapporteur) - VOTE
[if adopted move after paragraph 37]
COMP 44
Headings 1-6 (new) - Rapporteur
Heading 1 (new)
Commitment to enlargement [to be placed before paragraph 1]
Heading 2 (new)
Democracy and rule of law [to be placed before paragraph 9]
Heading 3 (new)
Respect of fundamental freedoms and human rights [to be placed
before paragraph 16]
Heading 4 (new)
Reconciliation and good neighbourly relations [to be placed before
paragraph 24]
Heading 5 (new)
Economy [to be placed before paragraph 30]
Heading 6 (new)
Environment, energy and transport [to be placed before paragraph 34]
RECITALS
COMP 45
Recital A, Ba (new), C, Ca (new), E, Fa (new), G, Ha (new), Hb (new), Hc (new), I
AM25 (Zovko/EPP), AM28 (Rapporteur), AM31 (Rapporteur), AM32 (Rapporteur), AM39
(Nistor/EPP), AM42 (Rapporteur), AM43 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM47 (Zovko/EPP),
AM49 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM50 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM52 (Mandl/EPP)
22
AM24 (EPP), AM29 (NI), AM30 (ID), AM38 (ID), AM44 (ID) fall
A.
whereas
Kosovo must be judged, as any country
aspiring to become Member State of
the EU, on its own merits
in terms of fulfilment,
implementation and complying with the set
of criteria and common values and whereas the quality of
and dedication to the necessary
reforms determine the timetable
and progression of accession; (AM25)
Ba. (new)
whereas Kosovo’s shadow economy is hindering the development of a viable
economy for the country overall; (AM28)
C.
whereas Kosovo continues to struggle with political instability, in particular since the
early legislative elections of 6 October 2019;
whereas the end of the Kurti government
exposed several structural issues, including undue interference of external actors into the
work of the government and the Assembly, independence of the Constitutional Court, and
lack of clarity on the legality of the vote on the government; (AM31)
Ca. (new)
whereas there has been a lack of coordination between trans-Atlantic actors
recently, and the incoming US administration will provide a new opportunity for better
cooperation; (AM32)
E.
whereas Kosovo
must increase its efforts in fighting corruption and organised crime
and must build strong, coherent and independent institutions to resolve these issues; (AM39)
Fa. (new)
whereas, according to the government of Kosovo, 117 countries have
recognised Kosovo’s independence, including 22 of the 27 EU Member States; (AM42)
G.
whereas the COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented burden on Kosovo’s
health, economy, and social protection systems
and has clearly demonstrated that the EU and
the Western Balkans must continue tackling common challenges together; (AM43)
Ha. (new)
whereas the EU is the biggest assistance and aid provider to Kosovo in
mitigating the economic and social consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic; whereas
Kosovo has received €5 million of immediate support to the health sector, €63 million of
support for the social and economic recovery, €60 million in assistance funds and €100
million of Macro-Financial Assistance; (AM47)
Hb. (new)
whereas the EU’s engagement with the Western Balkans surpasses that of
any other partner and demonstrates a mutual strategic commitment; (AM49)
Hc. (new)
whereas the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans will
facilitate a long-term recovery following COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the economic
development and reforms in the region; (AM50)
I.
whereas Kosovo benefits from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II),
with a total indicative allocation of EUR 602.1 million for 2014-2020;
calls for further
improving the absorption capacity of Kosovo in this regard; (AM52)
23
AM26 (The Left), AM 27 (ID), AM33 (EPP), AM34 (ID), AM35 (ECR), AM36 (Renew),
AM37 (The Left), AM40 (NI), AM41 (ID), AM45 (ID), AM46 (ID), AM48 (The Left), AM51
(The Left), AM53 (ID) - VOTE
CITATIONS
COMP 46
Citations 2, 2a (new), 3a (new), 7, 10a (new), 13a (new), 18a (new), 18b (new)
AM4 (Mandl/EPP), AM5 (Kyuchyuk et al./Renew), AM6 Rapporteur, AM7 (Rapporteur),
AM8 (Kovatchev/EPP), AM10 (Rapporteur), AM12 (Rapporteur), AM13 (Rapporteur),
AM16 (Rapporteur), AM17 (Zovko/EPP), AM18 (Rapporteur)
Citation 2
having regard to the European Reform Agenda (ERA) for Kosovo,
launched in Pristina on 11 November 2016,
as well as the launching of the ERA 2 in October
2020, (AM4, AM5)
Citation 2a (new)
having regard to the framework agreement with Kosovo on
participation in Union programmes, in force since 1 August 2017, (AM6)
Citation 3a (new)
having regard to the Sofia Declaration of the EU-Western Balkans
summit of 17 May
2018 and the Sofia Priority Agenda, (AM7, AM8)
Citation 7
having regard to the reports of the UN Secretary-General on the
activities of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK),
including the most
recent report of 31 March 2020, and the reports on the operations of the Kosovo Forces
(KFOR) of 7 February 2018, (AM10)
Citation 10a (new)
having regard to the Council conclusions of 5 June 2020 on
enhancing cooperation with Western Balkans partners in the field of migration and security,
(AM12)
Citation 13 a (new)
having regard to the joint communication of 8 April 2020 of the
Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
entitled ‘Communication on the Global EU response to COVID-19’ (JOIN(2020) 11 final),
and the Commission communication of 29 April 2020 entitled ‘Support to the Western
Balkans in tackling COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery’, (AM13)
24
Citation 18a (new)
having regard to the Zagreb Declaration adopted at the EU-Western
Balkans Summit that took place via video conference on 6 May 2020, (AM17, AM18)
Citation 18b (new)
having regard to the joint declaration of the European Parliament –
Western Balkans Speakers’ Summit, convened by the President of the European Parliament
with the leadership of the Western Balkan parliaments on 28 January 2020, (AM16)
AM1 (EPP), AM2 (ID), AM3 (ID), AM9 (EPP), AM11 (The Left), AM14 (The Left), AM15
(EPP), AM19 (ID), AM20 (ID), AM21 (ID), AM22 (ID), AM23 (ID) - VOTE
25
