European Commission grants EUR 70.5 million to Kosovo
Under the Action Programme for Kosovo for the Year 2016, the following sectors will be supported: democracy and governance, rule of law and fundamental rights, competitiveness and innovation, and education, employment and social policies.
\"The EU is the largest partner, investor and donor to Kosovo and this new allocation reaffirms the EU\'s commitment to Kosovo\'s European path,\" said the Head of EU Office/EUSR Nataliya Apostolova.
\"EU assistance has created thousands of jobs in Kosovo and improved the quality of life of Kosovo people in many segments including economic development, infrastructure, support to MSMEs, support to agricultural production, rule of law, human rights and the fight against corruption\" said Apostolova.
The main aim of the action under democracy and governance is to further support Kosovo\'s integration into the global economy and strengthen the role of Kosovo\'s administration in promoting socio-economic development in trade, free movement of goods and services and strengthening sectorial approximation in line with obligations of the Stabilisation Association Agreement (SAA).
Besides supporting the implementation of SAA, the financial assistance for 2016 aims also at assisting the implementation of the European Reform Agenda which was launched recently.
The action under the rule of law and fundamental rights sector will contribute to a stable multi-ethnic society in Kosovo by enabling sustainable livelihoods and the durable integration by displaced persons into Kosovo society.
The action in the sector of education, employment and social policies aims to improve enrolment and inclusion of children in pre-school education and enhance the quality of pre-school and primary school education according to the Kosovo Education Strategic Plan 2017-2021.
This 70.5 million financial envelope includes a direct budget support programme, contributing to the implementation of Kosovo\'s reform package: namely policy development and coordination and modernization of the public administration.
This allocation is part of the 645 million euro EU financial contribution granted to Kosovo during the 2014-2020 period. Kosovo also benefits from EU assistance within the IPA II multi-country programme, providing financial support on a regional scale.
This assistance requires that the authorities demonstrate continued commitment to improve the good governance and the rule of law.
