Zulfaj: All reforms will be implemented, Kosovo aims to secure €882 million from the EU

Kosovo will not abandon any of the reforms included in the Reform Agenda, even though some deadlines have not been met on time. Jeton Zulfaj, the chief negotiator for European integration, said it was unfavorable for the country not to receive European Union funds on time, but that the measures planned for the June 30 deadline remain part of the agenda.

Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) on the topic “Kosovo’s path to the EU after the political deadlock: From momentum to reforms,” Zulfaj said that most of the remaining reforms are expected to be implemented during this year.

He emphasized that the delays are concerning, but that no reform will be left behind. “We have repeatedly said that reforms do not disappear; we are in a reform process called the ‘Reform Agenda.’ It is unfavorable when funds are not received on time and deadlines matter, but the measures planned through June 30 remain on our agenda. Most of them will be implemented this year. Stagnation is bad, but today we have an opportunity to discuss the process,” he said.

Zulfaj said that fact-based observations and accurate information for citizens can help institutions improve their work and advance the reforms.

The Growth Plan includes 111 reform steps divided into five areas. According to Zulfaj, their goals are to improve public services and the economic situation, expand opportunities for young people, advance social progress, and protect citizens’ rights and freedoms.

He announced that Kosovo has the opportunity to receive a total of €882 million through this plan: one-third in grants and two-thirds in loans. The plan consists of four pillars, while the last two are linked to the Reform Agenda and incentives for its implementation. Zulfaj stressed that the importance of the plan is not limited to the funds, but is also linked to the substance of the reforms and their impact on citizens’ lives.

“Fact-based critical assessment helps us and contributes to improving institutions. You have an important role both in constructive criticism and in providing the public with accurate information. Eighteen responsible institutions are involved in this process, including ministries and independent institutions, as well as the Assembly; all of you are also partners, while citizens are the ultimate beneficiaries,” Zulfaj said.

The chief negotiator also emphasized that the path toward membership in the European Union requires the participation and commitment of the entire society, including institutions, civil society, and the media. He recalled that the branches of government have separate responsibilities: the government leads the process, the judiciary carries out its work, while the adoption of laws falls to the Assembly and independent agencies have their own duties.

“Civil society and the media have an essential function in democracy by providing citizens with accurate information. Joint engagement is necessary, but each institution must act within its own responsibilities,” Zulfaj said.