Council Decision of 14 June 2004 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 (2004/520/EC) (repealed)

SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES U.K.

General priority U.K.

• In order to ensure a stable future for a secure, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, make substantial progress in achieving the Standards for Kosovo, which were presented by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General and representatives of the Provisional Institutions of Self Government in December 2003 and endorsed by the UN Security Council. In particular, carry out the concrete actions set in the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan covering:

  • Functioning of democratic institutions

  • Rule of law

  • Freedom of movement

  • Sustainable returns and rights of communities and their members

  • Economy

  • Property rights

  • Dialogue with Belgrade

  • Kosovo Protection Corps.

In addition to the above general priority, the following complementary priorities need to be addressed:

Political situation U.K.

Democracy and rule of law U.K.

• The Provisional Institutions of Self Government (PISG) must take all necessary steps as required by the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo to overcome the consequences and address the causes of the March 2004 events. The immediate priorities must be to condemn explicitly violence against minority communities, ensure the security of all communities, facilitate the return of displaced persons, restore and rebuild damaged and destroyed properties, including historic and religious sites, and to cooperate fully with UNMIK-KFOR to bring those responsible to Justice.

  The PISG need to demonstrate their full and unconditional commitment to a multi-ethnic Kosovo, in particular with respect to the protection and promotion of rights of members of the minority communities, equal security, freedom of movement and sustainable returns for all inhabitants of Kosovo.

• EU compatibility: develop the EU orientation of the Kosovo Government policy-making by institutionalising within the Prime Minister Office the mechanism for effective verification of EU consistency of government policies and draft laws; developing at the ministerial level and the Assembly of Kosovo capacity to ensure EU compatibility.

• Fight against corruption and organised crime: improve cooperation between UNMIK and PISG effectively to implement the ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption, notably by providing all necessary support to the investigations undertaken by OLAF and OIOS (the UN internal audit service).

Regional and international cooperation U.K.

• Ensure full cooperation with ICTY

• Enhance regional cooperation. Further integration into the regional network of Free Trade Agreements under the Stability Pact Memorandum of Understanding on Trade Liberalisation and Facilitation in South Eastern Europe, in compliance with UNSCR 1244. Start implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network and in particular take measures to set up the cooperation mechanisms, inter alia, the Steering Committee and the South East Europe Transport Observatory. Make progress in meeting commitments under the 2002 and 2003 Memoranda of the Athens process on the Regional Energy Market in South East Europe.

Economic situation U.K.

Market economy and structural reforms U.K.

• Define the macro-economic priorities for Kosovo in close cooperation with IMF.

• Revitalise the privatisation process to support economic development and attract inward investment and develop a comprehensive strategy to this end.

Management of public finances U.K.

• Develop technical support systems and procedures to ensure transparency, efficiency, and better control of public spending.

• Establish effective procedures for the detection, treatment and follow-up of cases of suspected fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds.

EU standards U.K.

Internal market and trade U.K.

• Continue development of a legislative and policy framework for trade and trade-related policies, ensuring EU- and WTO-compatibility. Fully implement the new Customs Code. Adopt a Domestic Trade Law and a Law on Trade Inspection.

Sector policies U.K.

— Environment U.K.

Prepare a comprehensive environmental action plan, particularly relating to public health issues, with a view to approximating with the EU acquis.

Adopt and implement legislation on environmental impact assessment in line with the EU acquis.

— Transport U.K.

Prepare and adopt a transport policy framework on transport including the gradual development of a multi-modal transport strategy.

Develop the civil operator of Pristina airport, its staff and facilities, to ensure an adequate level of security and sound and accountable management.

— Energy U.K.

Establish effective and functioning governance structures in the energy sector to ensure the viability and sustainability of the Kosovo electricity company notably by substantially increasing revenue collection.

Cooperation in justice and home affairs U.K.

• Implement the new Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes.