Kosovo and the Stabilization Association Agreement: Perspectives and Challenges in the Integration Process

Abstract

Kosovo, as the youngest state in Europe it is also the last as a potential candidate country for membership into the EU as well as in the integration process generally. This is a consequence of many causes: first, due to lack of a status settlement for Kosovo for a long time; then, open contest with Serbia and its influence over the northern part of the country; then nonrecognition of Kosovo by five EU member states as well as due to factors such as weal rule of law, high level of corruption, nepotism, organized crime and weak economic development. However, Kosovo has entered into contractual relations with the EU and during recent years it has managed to make important steps in the integration process. One of these achievements is undoubtedly the progress of Kosovo in reaching the Stabilization Association Agreement, as an essential pre-condition in the EU membership process. In this brief study, the European integration process of Kosovo so far will be discussed, with special emphasis on the influence that the Stabilization Association Process might have in this journey. Which will be the perspective as well as challenges of Kosovo and the region in this process? To what extent will it affect the fulfilment of requirements and approximation of the country towards the EU? These are only some of the core questions we will try to answer in this policy analysis.