EU ministers: Kosovo still faces huge challenges
The European Union Council of Ministers stressed on Monday that Kosovo is still faced with some huge challenges, such as the boosting of rule of law, protection of Serbs, fight against corruption and organised crime
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Monday, December 08, 2008
"While noting that progress has been made in certain areas, particularly in respect to the adoption of a number of important laws, the Council stresses that major challenges remain: the strengthening of institutions and rule of law, protection of Serbs and other minorities, fight against corruption and organised crime, budgetary and fiscal reform, as well as improvement of living conditions, in particular", the conclusions from the meeting said.
The Council also demands from Pristina to assume a constructive approach toward regional cooperation.
In this context, the ministers reminded that the EU was ready to assist the political end economic development of Kosovo by way of a clear European perspective, all in keeping with the European perspective of the whole region.
Before the meeting, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that Britain welcomed the unanimous support the United Nations had given to the full mandate of Eulex.
Also ahead of the meeting, German Minister of State Gunter Gloser said that by the end of the year Berlin will send 100 policemen to the Eulex mission.
He said that "positive signals are coming from both Belgrade and Pristina" regarding Eulex.
At the meeting itself, High Representative Javier Solana and Enlargement Commissionner Olli Rehn praised Belgrade's "constructive attitude" which "greatly contributed" to finding a solution on Eulex functioning.
