Commissioner of the European Union for Enlargement and Neighborhood, Oliver Varhelyi, will visit Kosovo on Thursday, May 25.
According to the announcements of the European Commission, during his stay in Kosovo, Varhelyi will hold meetings with the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Also, the senior European official will meet with representatives of the opposition and civil society.
“These meetings will provide the opportunity to review the relations between Kosovo and EU and to discuss recent developments as well as key reforms, including those in the field of justice, energy transition and the fight against organized crime and corruption”, was written in the announcement.
However, the main event during his visit is expected to be the initiation of a joint program between EU and Kosovo for strengthening the law and fight against organized crime and corruption.
After the meetings with the heads of state, the senior European official, together with the Minister of Internal Affairs of Kosovo, Xhelal Sveçla, will inaugurate the “EU-Kosovo Program for Internal Affairs”.
“The goal of this program is the further adaptation of Kosovo’s actions in strengthening the law and the fight against organized crime with EU standards,” said the EC.
“This EU program, financed with 6.5 million euros, will be implemented in a period of three years, with the support of France, Italy and Belgium. It will contribute to strengthening the capacities of Kosovo’s institutions in the fight against organized crime and corruption and will strengthen international cooperation”, added in the announcement of the EC.
As for all countries that are in the process of EU enlargement, so for Kosovo the rule of law, justice reforms and the fight against organized crime and corruption have been identified as the main areas that will be taken into account by the EU in assessment of the readiness of these states for progress towards European integration.
On December 15, 2022, Kosovo submitted the application for membership in the European Union.
