Der Präsident. – Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Aussprache über den Bericht von Ulrike Lunacek im Namen des Ausschusses für auswärtige Angelegenheiten über den Bericht 2016 der Kommission über das Kosovo (2016/2314(INI)) (A8-0062/2017).
Ulrike Lunacek, rapporteur. – Mr President, Minister, Commissioner, colleagues, let me say first of all there has been some progress in Kosovo over the last year on issues that concern the relationship between the European Union and Kosovo. A stabilisation and association agreement finally has come into force, and that has included the European reform agenda and something we voted recently in the plenary: the participation of Kosovo in EU programmes. So various things were re-signalled – and that is supported by this report – strongly signalled to Kosovo, and to Kosovo citizens: your future is in the European Union.
Nevertheless, we also have to see that, over the last year, things have not progressed as much as Kosovo citizens and also as we here in the European Parliament would have liked them to go. The extreme polarisation of the political landscape (and I will come to the elections of last Sunday at the end), but also no progress here in the European Union. We still – and I have been rapporteur for Kosovo since 2009 – do not have progress with five EU Member States recognising the independence of the Republic of Kosovo. This is harming progress also. This does not give Kosovo citizens the idea that we really want them and that they are part of Europe – they should be part of the European Union. So this report also regrets that still five Members are not recognising Kosovo, and you know, to those of you who come from those five Member States, sometimes I wonder, when you then criticise corruption – organised crime in Kosovo, yes, which exists, like in other parts of the region and also inside the EU – then why do you not want to allow Kosovo to become part of Europol and Interpol? Because that would help. So there is a contradiction in the position of those five Member States, and I hope we will see progress in the next year.
But let me come to some other points. In the normalisation process between Kosovo and Serbia we also have had mostly stalemates. We have had one progress: Kosovo now has a telephone code of its own and not any more the Monaco one or the Slovenian one. It can be still be used, but there is this independent international telephone code.
But nevertheless, so many things have been agreed between the two governments of Kosovo and Serbia, but implementation is still lacking on both sides. Also from Serbia we have had signs that were simply not helpful. The Serbian nationalist train from Belgrade to northern Kosovo with signs on it: ‘Kosovo is Serbia’. This simply is not the reality any more, and people in Serbia know that and the Serbian Government knows it. It simply does not help to develop good neighbourly relationships if things like that are supported. And as I said, what is lacking really is implementation.
In Kosovo itself, still administration of justice remain slow and inefficient. Lack of progress has been made in regard to the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom, and several other issues. When I talk about gender-based violence, still women’s full rights need to be enjoyed, although there has been some progress as well.
Now let me come to the elections on that weekend. Yes, finally, and it is good that these elections were passed peacefully. There have not been any disruptions. But we still have problems there. There are still voting lists that were not been totally accurate; the electoral system still not functioning well sometimes and financing of political parties were problems. So I think it would be very important also because we have had intimidation against Kosovo Serbs who would not want to vote for the Socijalistička.
There I would like to end with asking, as it is said in the report as well, that the leaders of the Kosovo Serb community should take full ownership of them being part of Kosovo and not always referring to Belgrade.
Helena Dalli,President-in-Office of the Council. – Mr President, on 9 March 2017, the European Council discussed the situation in the Western Balkans. The heads of state or government stressed the EU’s commitment to the region and reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, in full respect of the basic principles of conditionality and own merits.
Today we focus on Kosovo’s progress in 2016. However, more generally, I would like to stress the importance of Kosovo’s stability and of its continuous efforts to advance further on the European path. We welcome the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo and the first Stabilisation and Association Council, which both took place last year. The EU-only agreement, which is without prejudice to Member States’ positions on status, provides the contractual framework for cooperation between the EU and Kosovo.
It is important for Kosovo to implement the comprehensive reforms to meet its obligations under the SAA in order to fully benefit from the opportunities it brings. We welcome the launch of the European Reform Agenda in November 2016. The Kosovo leadership is responsible for ensuring its thorough implementation, with the objective of improving the rule of law, socio-economic development and building a track record of SAA implementation.
It is key that Kosovo further intensifies its efforts to improve the rule of law, including judicial independence. It also needs to further advance its fight against organised crime and corruption. We welcome the steps taken to increase the number of high-level corruption and organised crime cases being investigated and prosecuted. We encourage further progress in strengthening a solid track record of convictions. We also note progress in fighting radicalisation, extremism and terrorism, and we encourage further efforts.
Effective promotion and protection of human rights throughout Kosovo should be pursued, including the full protection of cultural and religious heritage. Furthermore, the Kosovo authorities should address the inclusion and protection of persons belonging to minorities. This includes additional efforts to ensure a safe environment and the safeguarding of their property rights, as well as the strengthening of social cohesion.
Progress in the process of normalisation of relations with Serbia is essential and underpins the development of relations and cooperation between the EU and Kosovo. We urge Kosovo to swiftly implement in good faith its part of all past agreements achieved in the EU—facilitated dialogue, in particular the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb—majority Municipalities, and to engage constructively with Serbia in formulating and implementing future agreements. We concur with you in welcoming the recent agreements on the implementation of freedom of movement and telecoms. We look forward to a swift appointment of judicial personnel into the Kosovo system in order to ensure the functioning of an integrated judiciary. We also look forward to the opening of the Mitrovica Bridge, as agreed between the two sides.
The Council will continue to monitor closely Kosovo’s continued engagement towards visible and sustainable progress so that Kosovo and Serbia can continue on their respective European paths. Neither should block the other in these efforts, and both should be able to fully exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities. The High Representative played a key role in promoting additional progress in the dialogue.
We also welcome the agreement reached over the extension of the EULEX mission until June 2018. We urge Kosovo to continue to cooperate closely and effectively with EULEX, and to contribute actively to the full and unhindered execution by EULEX of its mandate. We welcome the fact that Kosovo met its remaining obligation on the establishment of the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office to investigate allegations of international crimes committed during and after the 1999 conflict. All authorities in Kosovo should comply with their requests for assistance.
Kosovo has made significant progress in meeting the requirements of its visa roadmap, which led to a proposal by the Commission, in May 2016, to transfer Kosovo to the Schengen visa-free list. As rightly noted in your resolution, such a decision can only be taken if Kosovo meets the two remaining requirements: the ratification of the border/boundary agreement with Montenegro, and the continuation of the strengthening of its track record in the fight against organised crime and corruption.
We share your concern about the incidents of violence in the Assembly throughout 2016. It is important that, following early general elections, all political parties and local stakeholders show responsibility and ownership and engage in a constructive dialogue with parliament, as the key forum for political debate.
Finally, we very much welcome the signature of the Framework Agreement on the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in Union programmes. It is of utmost importance for Kosovo to take full advantage of these programmes. We are looking forward to the European Parliament’s consent for the conclusion of this agreement.
Johannes Hahn,Member of the Commission. – Mr President, Minister, honourable Members, first of all, I would like to thank the Parliament, in particular the rapporteur Ulrike Lunacek, for the report on Kosovo. We believe that this is a balanced report and is in line with the main findings of our 2016 Commission report.
Last Sunday was a crucial day for Kosovo and its democratic development. I would like to thank this House and especially Alojz Peterle for its strong support for the EU election observation mission. This observation mission was deployed in record time. The European Parliament has significantly contributed to making it possible. In most of Kosovo, the election day passed calmly and peacefully. It is a sign of Kosovo’s democratic maturity that people generally were able to cast their ballots freely and without hindrance.
However, we do share chief election observer Peterle’s concerns about several aspects of the elections. Any incidents of intimidation and pressure as witnessed during the electoral campaign are unacceptable. It will be essential for Kosovo’s democratic development that the findings of the observation mission are taken seriously and implemented as a matter of priority. Now that elections are over, Kosovo has no time to lose. Based on the democratic will of the people, we expect a new government to be formed and begin work without delay. A new governing coalition will face huge expectations and challenges. The dialogue with Belgrade needs to move ahead. The people of Kosovo expect decisions on visa liberalisation. The rule of law, economic development and education need to be given the highest priority. Broad societal consensus on the EU reforms will be necessary to navigate through these various challenges. One of the most important priorities the government will have to tackle immediately is delivery on the conditions for visa liberalisation. Kosovo has made progress on its track record of high-level corruption and organised crime cases. This must be a continuous process and one in which momentum must be maintained at all times.
I can assure you that we know how contentious the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro has become. It will now be for Kosovo’s new government and parliament to deliver on the expectations of its people. We are ready to support Kosovo every step of the way. Once Kosovo has fulfilled these conditions, the Commission will give its green light to the European Parliament and Council.
Beside these political challenges, Kosovo’s priorities should remain the rule of law, economic development and education. Kosovo needs to become an attractive place for business, provide citizens with high quality education and reduce the very high unemployment levels, in particular amongst young people. The incoming government will need to show strong commitment to addressing the systemic weaknesses in the rule of law, as we have frequently pointed out in our reports.
The Commission is providing strong support for the implementation of these priorities through substantive financial assistance and technical advice. For its part, Kosovo needs to keep pace with the rest of the region, to promote economic growth and foster political stability, which is essential for the security of the Western Balkans as a whole. To achieve this, we have jointly agreed programmes with Kosovo: the European Reform Agenda and the Economic Reform Programme. These should serve as guidelines for concrete deliverables. This is the priority for now and the immediate future.
Lars Adaktusson, on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, the Commission progress report is issued at an important time for Kosovo, but also for the whole region. Recent events have shown the need for responsible action by the governments and lawmakers of both Kosovo and Serbia, not only for enabling the normalisation between Belgrade and Pristina, but also to convince this Parliament that there is a genuine will for European integration. We as the European Union indeed welcome the progress that has been made, not least in the fight against corruption. Now we are awaiting convictions and not just indictments of high-level individuals. The EPP hopes that visa liberalisation will become a reality. At the same time, we strongly emphasise that a successful fight against corruption and organised crime is a requirement and that the issue is in the hands of the decision-makers of Kosovo.
After the elections last Sunday, we all certainly hope for a new Kosovar government to be formed as soon as possible. We hope that the issues which have been troubling domestic Kosovar politics will be settled through a determined government and a responsible and Europe-oriented political assembly. The resolution we are debating tonight reflects the general view of this Parliament. It is balanced and well drafted by the rapporteur, Ms Lunacek, and I would like to thank you for good cooperation. In order to support the people of Kosovo on their significant path towards the European Union and show that Kosovo belongs in Europe, we will vote ‘yes’ to the resolution tomorrow.
Pier Antonio Panzeri, a nome del gruppo S&D. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, ringrazio la collega Lunacek per il lavoro svolto. Questa relazione, oltre a descrivere la situazione dei nostri rapporti, è utile soprattutto a concentrare la nostra attenzione sui diversi punti cruciali che ancora impediscono al Kosovo una completa integrazione.
Il risultato delle importanti elezioni di domenica scorsa ha visto la cosiddetta ala di guerra, come la chiamano i media locali, composta da una coalizione guidata da Haradinaj, ottenere il maggior numero di voti che non sembrerebbero però sufficienti a sostenere un governo senza alleanze con altre forze politiche. Le nostre aspettative sono naturalmente quelle di vedere nascere un governo che garantisca al paese la stabilità necessaria per continuare il processo di stabilizzazione politica e di integrazione del Kosovo nel contesto europeo.
Tuttavia, dobbiamo essere consapevoli che la vittoria di Haradinaj non renderà semplici i rapporti con la Serbia, paese che, come sappiamo, ha emesso un mandato d'arresto internazionale contro l'ex comandante dell'esercito di liberazione del Kosovo. Sarà importante il ruolo dell'Unione europea in questo quadro.
Come giustamente sottolineato nella relazione, resta alta la preoccupazione in merito alla corruzione e alla criminalità organizzata, due fattori che affliggono con una certa pesantezza il paese. Inoltre, nonostante l'apprezzabile miglioramento economico e l'aumento del gettito fiscale, è indispensabile promuovere riforme economiche e sociali strutturali, soprattutto per quanto riguarda il lavoro e per quanto riguarda l'istruzione.
Infine, io invito a riflettere sul fatto che il mancato riconoscimento del Kosovo da parte di cinque Stati membri di fatto ostacola il processo di integrazione. Un cambio di rotta potrebbe essere utile e permetterebbe il miglioramento dei rapporti tra il Kosovo e la Serbia. Penso che sia necessario che il Parlamento europeo mostri più coraggio, perché ciò aiuterebbe ancor di più l'azione politica dell'Unione europea in Kosovo e nei Balcani.
Ангел Джамбазки, от името на групата ECR. – Поздравления първо за вас, г-жо Луначек за доклада, който направихте. Тази неделя бях част от наблюдателната мисия на Европейския парламент в изборния процес в Косово и мога да ви уверя, че демокрацията в страната или поне изборите, както бяха направени, най-вероятно са по-добри и по-добре подготвени, отколкото от някои от нашите държави.
Разбира се, както и в други държави от предприсъединителния процес, и там са налице проблеми в съдебната система, висока корупция, организирана престъпност, независимост на медиите, а стои огромният въпрос и с ислямските фундаменталисти. Но искам да ви обърна внимание на факта, че в Косово се сблъскват интересите и влиянията и на съседни държави, например Русия и Сърбия, които се опитват всячески да развият своето влияние на тази територия.
Турция завладява религиозно и икономически страната и по този начин за нас остава само възможността да сме донори на средства, без видима политическа полза. Именно липсата на видимо присъствие на Европейския съюз кара много косовари да мислят, че Европейският съюз ги е забравил. Затова, уважаеми колеги, Косово има подкрепа повече от всякога сега.
Jozo Radoš, u ime kluba ALDE. – Gospodine predsjedniče, kolegice i kolege, prošle nedjelje su održani izbori za skupštinu Kosova i ja bih ovdje želio naglasiti činjenicu da je odaziv bio samo 41 %. Ako znamo da je nezaposlenost na Kosovu vrlo visoka, među mladima i viša od 50 %, te dvije činjenice upućuju na opasnost, ne samo gubitka povjerenja u domaću političku strukturu, što svakako nije dobro. Mala sudjelovanja građana otežavaju kvalitetne politike, ali jednako tako opasnost od gubitka povjerenja u Europsku uniju.
Jesu li rezultati izbora, koji su, sa svim poteškoćama o kojima je govorila gospođa Lunacek kao izvjestiteljica, uglavnom provedeni korektno, ali jesu li rezultati izbora takvi da omogućavaju lakše rješavanje problema s kojima se Kosovo suočava unutar sebe i vanjskih problema, ostaje, naravno, pitanje.
Dakle, i tu uz sve napore koje poduzima kosovska Vlada, odnosno jednako tako i Europska unija, napredak u mnogim područjima je vrlo slab ili gotovo da ne postoji, što prijeti opet opasnošću da se i ovdje u Europskoj uniji, u zemljama članicama, u biračkom tijelu, u Europskom parlamentu, također izgubi podrška pristupanju Kosova i ostalih zemalja zapadnog Balkana Europskoj uniji.
Dakle, radi se o vrlo delikatnoj situaciji. Ja plediram na Europsku komisiju, na kolege zastupnike da ne gube ritam, da ne gube povjerenje i uz sve ove programe koje je Komisija razvila, program povezivanja, energetskih veza, pozivam Komisiju da razvije i druge programe zajedničke suradnje zemalja zapadnog Balkana.
Javier Couso Permuy, en nombre del Grupo GUE/NGL. – Señor presidente. No hemos variado nuestra postura sobre la declaración unilateral de independencia de Kosovo, un Estado artificial creado bajo cobijo de una intervención militar, fuera de la legalidad internacional y de las Naciones Unidas, con el apoyo, además, de grupos que han violado gravemente los derechos humanos.
No es baladí recordar que se vulneran los principios de soberanía e integridad territorial garantizados por el Acta de Helsinki y que existe una Resolución del Consejo de Seguridad, la 1244, que no se puede poner por un acto unilateral. Hoy ochenta y dos países de las Naciones Unidas, cinco de ellos de la UE, no reconocen esta declaración unilateral de independencia.
La Unión no puede utilizar el Derecho internacional como un traje a medida. El ingreso kosovar en organismos y organizaciones internacionales no es la vía de la solución. La solución pasa por acompañar el diálogo entre las dos partes dentro de la legalidad internacional.
Dominique Bilde, au nom du groupe ENF. – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, entre 1999 et 2004, 150 églises et monastères du Kosovo ont été pillés, détruits ou incendiés. Manifestement, la société kosovare actuelle rejette l’histoire du territoire sur lequel elle se trouve. On aurait connu mieux comme moyen de manifester son attachement à l’histoire de l’Europe. Songez au signal que vous envoyez en tendant la main à ceux qui veulent faire disparaître notre histoire.
L’Unesco, antichambre des Nations unies, ne s’est pas trompée en rejetant l’adhésion du Kosovo. Elle sait bien qu’il est impensable de confier aujourd’hui le contrôle des quatre sites de l’Église orthodoxe serbe classés au patrimoine mondial de l’humanité à ceux qui les pillaient hier. Suivons son exemple, renonçons à cette intégration.
En plus d’être un danger pour la culture européenne, l’entêtement à vouloir intégrer le Kosovo se fait au péril de notre sécurité. Dans un même article, la rapporteure révèle le trafic de stupéfiants, la traite des êtres humains ainsi que le commerce et la possession illégale d’armes, et se félicite de la proposition de la Commission de libéraliser le régime des visas. Plus que de l’indulgence, c’est de la complaisance.
Γεώργιος Επιτήδειος (NI). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, όπως προκύπτει όχι μόνο από την έκθεση της Επιτροπής, αλλά κυρίως από τη γνώση της πραγματικότητας, το Κοσσυφοπέδιο είναι ίσως η πλέον διεφθαρμένη χώρα της Ευρώπης. Υπάρχει διαφθορά σε όλα τα κλιμάκια της διοικήσεως, οργανωμένο έγκλημα, καταπάτηση ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, διακίνηση σκληρών ναρκωτικών, εμπόριο οργάνων, ενδοοικογενειακή βία, ξένοι μαχητές στο ISIS και πολιτική πόλωση στη χώρα. Πέραν αυτού, το Κοσσυφοπέδιο δεν πληροί τους όρους της καλής γειτονίας, διότι αρνείται να επικυρώσει τη συμφωνία χαράξεως των συνόρων του με το Μαυροβούνιο και θέλει να ενωθεί με την Αλβανία, η οποία εκφράζει ευθέως επεκτατικές βλέψεις εναντίον όλων των γειτονικών χωρών στα πλαίσια της δημιουργίας της Μεγάλης Αλβανίας. Ιδιαίτερα προκλητική είναι κατά της Ελλάδος. Κάτω από αυτές τις προϋποθέσεις, δεν είναι δυνατόν να εφαρμοστεί η Συμφωνία Σταθεροποίησης και Συνδέσεως του Κοσσυφοπεδίου με την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση διότι, όταν σε μια χώρα δεν έχει εδραιωθεί το κράτος δικαίου, πώς είναι δυνατόν αυτή να συμμετέχει στους διεθνείς οργανισμούς;
David McAllister (PPE). – Herr Präsident Graf Lambsdorff, meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Ich möchte zunächst Ulrike Lunacek ein herzliches Wort des Dankes sagen für ihre engagierte Arbeit. Ich finde, wir sollten schon anerkennen, dass es diesem Land gelungen ist, die dritten Wahlen seit der Unabhängigkeit im Jahr 2008 einmal mehr frei und fair abzuhalten. Das Ergebnis darf jedoch nicht zu einer politischen Blockade führen. Und das bereitet mir angesichts des Wahlergebnisses und der Zusammensetzung des Parlaments durchaus Sorge. Eine Regierungsbildung in Pristina mit neun Monaten Vorlaufzeit, wie es nach der letzten Parlamentswahl der Fall war, sollte vermieden werden. Die neue Regierung in Pristina sollte sich im Interesse aller Kosovaren proeuropäisch ausrichten und eine belastbare Strategie für die Zukunft des Landes haben.
Aus meiner Sicht sind in drei Bereichen besondere Fortschritte notwendig. Erstens – es ist bereits betont worden: Das Kosovo ist das einzige Land im westlichen Balkan, welches nach wie vor keine Visafreiheit genießt. Das führt natürlich zu Frustration bei den Menschen. Die neue Regierung in Pristina und das Parlament sollten endlich die Kriterien für die Visafreiheit erfüllen. Dazu gehört zuallererst die Ratifizierung des Grenzabkommens mit Montenegro.
Zweitens: Die neue Regierung sollte wichtige Wirtschaftsreformen und ebenso Reformen zur Stärkung der Rechtsstaatlichkeit verabschieden. Die Fortschritte im Kampf gegen Korruption, Bestechlichkeit und organisierte Kriminalität sind natürlich logische und wichtige Voraussetzungen auf dem Weg in die Europäische Union, aber sie sind auch gleichzeitig die Grundvoraussetzung für weitere Investitionen aus anderen Ländern, beispielsweise aus Deutschland.
Drittens: Der Dialog mit Serbien sollte fortgeführt und vertieft werden, bereits getroffene Vereinbarungen müssen umgesetzt werden. Dazu gehört auch die Errichtung eines serbischen Gemeindeverbands im Norden Kosovos. Den Beziehungen zu Serbien kommt eine Schlüsselfunktion sowohl für die Beziehung zur EU als auch für die Stabilität in der gesamten Region zu.
Tonino Picula (S&D). – Gospodine predsjedniče, čestitam izvjestiteljici Urlike Lunacek na predanom radu na ovom izvješću kao i na odličnoj suradnji s izvjestiteljima u sjeni. Usvajanje ove Rezolucije odgođeno je zbog raspisivanja izvanrednih parlamentarnih izbora, što govori o političkoj dinamici u najmlađoj europskoj državi. Kosovo je izraziti primjer postkonfliktnog društva gdje ključni protagonisti ne uspijevaju razriješiti nagomilane točke sukoba. Prošle godine je čak i u važnim institucijama demokratskog poretka, poput Parlamenta, politička polarizacija znala imati nasilan karakter.
Na stanje na Kosovu velik utjecaj imaju loše socijalne i gospodarske prilike, osobito visoka nezaposlenost mladih, slabost pravosudnog sustava podložnog političkim pritiscima, pritisci na medije kao i nedovoljno efikasna borba protiv organiziranog kriminala i korupcije. Međutim, sva ta opterećenja mogu vremenom biti otklonjena ako kosovske vlasti budu aktivno koristile mogućnosti Sporazuma o stabilizaciji i pridruživanju i budu ispunjavale obveze iz Europske reformske agende. Europska budućnost Kosova bit će određena i odnosom politike, ali i cijelog društva, prema događajima iz nedavne prošlosti kojima će se baviti haški Ured posebnog istražitelja za ratne zločine počinjene u vrijeme agresije na Kosovo.
Pred vlastima u Prištini je također izazov produktivnijeg nastavka razgovora s Beogradom. Obje pregovaračke strane moraju prevladati međusobne animozitete kao i unutarnje otpore procesu koji zapravo nema alternativu. Odnosno, bolje je o njoj ne razmišljati. Kao predsjednik Zajedničkog parlamentarnog izaslanstva s Kosovom, želim naglasiti kako se političke podjele nisu odrazile na naš rad. Štoviše, svi članovi izaslanstva dali su svoj puni doprinos te smo bez većih poteškoća usvojili zajedničke preporuke.
Na temelju toga dozvoljavam sebi nadu da će biti ispunjeni uvjeti za ukidanje viza za građane Kosova te da ćemo u Europskom parlamentu konačno ratificirati odluku o njihovom slobodnom kretanju Europskom unijom. Kosovo zaslužuje nepodijeljenu europsku podršku, a njen najbolji izraz bilo bi priznanje preostalih članica koje to još nisu napravile.
Ελένη Θεοχάρους (ECR). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, η έκθεση της κυρίας Lunacek σωστά επικεντρώνεται στις προσπάθειες εκδημοκρατισμού του Κοσσυφοπεδίου και επίλυσης του προβλήματος με τη Σερβία, θέτοντας ως προϋπόθεση την κατοχύρωση των μειονοτικών δικαιωμάτων των Σέρβων του Κοσσυφοπεδίου. Δυστυχώς, δεν γίνεται καμία αναφορά στο ψήφισμα 1244 του Συμβουλίου Ασφαλείας. Όπως τονίζεται στην έκθεση, στην περιοχή επικρατεί πολιτική αστάθεια, διαφθορά, ανεπάρκεια δημοκρατικών θεσμών και δικαστικής εξουσίας, και επικίνδυνη διακίνηση ναρκωτικών. Η Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία, σεβόμενη το διεθνές δίκαιο και την κυριαρχία των κρατών, δεν μπορεί να αναγνωρίσει το Κοσσυφοπέδιο ως ανεξάρτητη αρχή ή κράτος. Βεβαίως, στην έκθεση παραγνωρίζονται οι θέσεις των κρατών μελών που δεν αναγνωρίζουν το Κοσσυφοπέδιο και που δεν έχουν καμία σχέση με τη διεύρυνση της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης στα Δυτικά Βαλκάνια. Ελπίζουμε σε γρήγορη ομαλοποίηση των σχέσεων Σερβίας-Κοσσυφοπεδίου στη βάση των αρχών της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και του διεθνούς δίκαιου, για να προωθηθεί το πλαίσιο συνεργασίας που προβλέπει το Σύμφωνο Σταθεροποίησης και Σύνδεσης. Τονίζουμε ότι, αν η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση δεν λάβει σοβαρά υπόψη τις εξτρεμιστικές τάσεις που υπάρχουν σε μερίδα του αλβανικού πληθυσμού και την επιρροή ατάκτων κύκλων της Αλβανίας, θα βρεθούμε μπροστά σε τρομακτικές συνέπειες που θα επηρεάσουν κυρίως τα Σκόπια και θα ανοίξουν τον ασκό του Αιόλου στα Βαλκάνια. Ας μην επαναλάβουμε, κύριε Πρόεδρε, το λάθος που κάναμε με την Τουρκία.
Jasenko Selimovic (ALDE). – Mr President, I would like to thank Mrs Lunacek for her excellent work and Mr Šoltes for leading our observation mission. Kosovo’s path to the EU is to be welcomed, but problems need also be mentioned.
The reason for the snap elections was said to be governmental inability to make reforms in Kosovo. However, none of the questions that caused stalemate were put to the voters to decide, so there is a risk that we will see a replay of this situation. This deadlock, which is actually Kosovo’s biggest problem, is indeed caused by the difficult government coalitions and the unwillingness of some parties to put Kosovo’s best interests before those of the party, a simple unwillingness to cooperate if that will cost them voters. This is not unusual for young traditional democracies, but I still believe that we have to demand from whoever forms the government speedy reforms, primarily on the fight against corruption. Sensitive questions like the demarcation line, the Association of Serbian Municipalities, etc. should not be used for political games since they are in the interests of Kosovars. Enlargement is needed. We want it to happen, but all of us want to secure the process and demand reforms.
Mario Borghezio (ENF). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la relazione riconosce che non vi è libertà di espressione o almeno che si procede lentamente in questa direzione, con le minacce ai giornalisti, corruzione sistemica, paese di deposito e transito per droghe pesanti, basso tasso di condanne nei casi contro la tratta di essere umani, paese di transito e destinazione per donne e minori vittime della tratta, presenza di gruppi armati, coinvolgimento in attività criminali organizzate. Insomma, la descrizione di quello che normalmente si chiama uno Stato canaglia.
Tuttavia, la relazione sostiene, come Alice nel paese meraviglie, che il Kosovo ha compiuto sforzi nel contrastare l'estremismo alla legalizzazione, pur ammettendo che molti foreign fighters sono già tornati in Kosovo e non sono monitorati e perseguiti. Quindi mi pare una forte contraddizione.
La portavoce dell'Unione europea, per canto suo, continua a promettere la liberalizzazione dei visti per un paese di questo genere, che esporta soprattutto criminalità e terroristi islamici e rappresenta un pericolo per l'Europa, un pericolo per tutti noi.
Κωνσταντίνος Παπαδάκης (NI). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, η πραγματικότητα είναι ότι εντείνονται οι αντιθέσεις ανάμεσα στις αστικές τάξεις στα Δυτικά Βαλκάνια, όχι μόνο στο Κοσσυφοπέδιο αλλά και στην ΠΓΔΜ, την Αλβανία, το Μαυροβούνιο, τη Σερβία, σε συνδυασμό με τους ανταγωνισμούς ανάμεσα σε ΝΑΤΟ-Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση-Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες και Ρωσία-Κίνα για τον έλεγχο αγορών και δρόμων ενέργειας. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, το ΝΑΤΟ και οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες βομβάρδισαν και διαμέλισαν την πρώην Γιουγκοσλαβία αλλάζοντας σύνορα και μακελεύοντας λαούς. Όπως και στο Κοσσυφοπέδιο, χρηματοδότησαν και στήριξαν μηχανισμούς, κυκλώματα, κάθε είδους εθνικιστικές και αντιδραστικές δυνάμεις, ως δήθεν απελευθερωτές, για να εξυπηρετήσουν τα συμφέροντά τους, να στήσουν στρατιωτικές βάσεις και να εξυπηρετήσουν τα συμφέροντα ελέγχοντας την περιοχή. Οι λαοί να εναντιωθούν στα σχέδια των αστικών τάξεων και των κυβερνήσεών τους και, σε σύγκρουση με την εμπλοκή Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και ΝΑΤΟ, να χαράξουν δρόμο προς το δικό τους συμφέρον, ενάντια στον εθνικισμό και τα συμφέροντα των μονοπωλίων. Να απαιτήσουν κλείσιμο ξένων στρατιωτικών βάσεων, να ανοίξουν δρόμο για να περάσει η εξουσία και η οικονομία στα δικά τους χέρια.
Elmar Brok (PPE). – Herr Präsident, Frau Ratspräsidentin, Herr Kommissar, Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Mit Sicherheit gilt immer noch die Zusage von Thessaloniki 2003, dass die Staaten des Westbalkans Zugang zur Mitgliedschaft zur Europäischen Union haben. Und gleichzeitig gilt auch der Grundsatz, dass sie die Bedingungen erfüllen müssen. Wir wissen, dass wir in mancher Hinsicht Rücksicht nehmen, weil neue Einflüsse aus dem islamischen Bereich kommen, weil auf dem Balkan Russland tätig ist und weil aus geostrategischen Gründen ein hohes Maß an Geduld aufgebracht werden muss. Dies darf jedoch kein Grund dafür sein, dass man nicht die notwendigen Fortschritte macht.
Ich danke Ulrike Lunacek, dass sie sich erneut in dieser engagierten Weise um das Kosovo verdient macht, aber wir sagen immer: Es müssen Fortschritte gemacht werden – bei der Korruptionsbekämpfung, bei der Rechtsstaatlichkeit und so weiter und so fort. Das heißt übersetzt: Es gibt immer noch Korruption, es besteht immer noch keine volle Rechtsstaatlichkeit, und so weiter und so fort.
Wir haben uns eine Sprache angewöhnt, die, was die wirklichen Umstände in diesen Ländern angeht, an Schönheit nicht zu überbieten ist, und dann kann man verstehen, dass manche dabei über das, was da abläuft, die Geduld verlieren. Deswegen möchte ich auch Wert darauf legen, dass in der ganzen Region Gefahren der Explosion existieren und Sorgen, die wir in dieser Weise in der Vergangenheit nicht gehabt haben, dass aber dennoch darauf geachtet werden soll, dass bestimmte Prinzipien eingehalten werden. Visaerleichterungen kann es nur geben, wenn die Bedingungen erfüllt sind.
Deswegen möchte ich die zukünftige Regierung und mögliche Koalitionspartner der Regierung der stärksten Partei bitten, nur Koalitionsverträge zu machen, bei denen das Grenzabkommen mit Montenegro akzeptiert wird, und sonst bitte nicht in Geschäfte einer Koalitionsbildung einzugehen. Als Bedingung dafür bitte ich darum, die Integrationsgespräche mit Serbien und der serbischen Gemeinschaft zu führen, sonst wird das nichts.
Tanja Fajon (S&D). – Mr President, I congratulate Ulrike Lunacek for an extensive and good report on Kosovo. Snap elections have just taken place and we received the reports from the observation mission, and it seems that elections went smoothly. Now I expect the government to be formed as soon as possible. Every day without government means a day lost in facing various challenges: strengthening democracy, rule of law and the institutions and especially creating better living conditions for all citizens of Kosovo, youngsters in the first place.
As a rapporteur for a visa—free regime for Kosovo, I wish Kosovar politicians would reach an agreement. The deal on the demarcation agreement with Montenegro and improved track record in fighting organised crime and high-level corruption are in the hands of future politicians in Kosovo, the leaders and the government. And the ball is thus clearly in Kosovo’s court. I will continue to support Kosovo towards the EU and a visa-free regime, but at the same time I would really like to see some more responsibility from Kosovo’s authorities. What we heard about the recognition of Kosovo and the dialogue with Serbia, these are a very crucial questions for a well-functioning state.
We certainly want to see Kosovo committed to the European part as a good neighbour and healthy democracy, free of corruption and organised crime, and a place where young people see their future.
Franz Obermayr (ENF). – Herr Präsident! 60 % der Kosovaren gingen bei den jüngsten Parlamentswahlen nicht wählen, da sie kein Vertrauen in ihre Demokratie hatten, und die wenigen, die wählten, entschieden sich für radikale Kräfte – stimmten mehrheitlich für einen mutmaßlichen Kriegsverbrecher. Der Wahlsieger und designierte Regierungschef Haradinaj soll unter anderem für Entführungen, Mord, Raub, Vergewaltigung und Organhandel verantwortlich sein. Und nachdem neun der zehn Zeugen Attentaten zum Opfer fielen, zog der zehnte offensichtlich seine Aussage zurück, und Haradinaj wurde freigesprochen.
Der Bericht zählt korrekterweise die schwierigen Probleme des Kosovo auf – Korruption, Geldwäsche, Drogenhandel und nicht entschädigte Vergewaltigungsopfer aus der Zeit des Krieges. Es ist für mich daher völlig unverständlich, warum Frau Kollegin Lunacek angesichts der desolaten Verhältnisse im Kosovo eine Empfehlung für eine Visaliberalisierung gibt. Haradinaj gab ja das Wahlversprechen einer 90—tägigen Visabefreiung für die Union. Es ist für mich absurd und unvorstellbar, dass wir nun helfen sollen, dieses Wahlversprechen einzuhalten.
Tunne Kelam (PPE). – Mr President, Kosovo’s state is less than ten years old, but its internal situation is still fragile. Joining the EU is the only answer to internal, as well as a regional, conflicts in the Western Balkans. This needs to be clearly understood by all stakeholders, including the EU, and I would like to commend Commissioner Hahn for his dedication and commitment to the Western Balkans.
When we say that the Serbian accession progress is linked to good bilateral relations in the region, the same applies to Kosovo. For that, the normalisation of Serbia-Kosovo relations is crucial. For visa liberalisation to be realised, Kosovo has to fulfil all relevant criteria, including ratification of the agreement with Montenegro. The internal political climate and frustration of a great part of the population in the democratic procedure is deeply alarming. Last Sunday, almost 60% of voters abstained from voting. This provides a dangerous playing ground for radical and nationalist forces.
One political development is that reducing corruption and organised crime and making the judiciary more efficient has been assessed as good by the Commission. On the other hand, no improvement on freedom of expression and economic criteria could be noticed, and, after all, as our rapporteur, Ms Lunacek, said, the key to all solutions is implementation. Ten weeks ago, the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) entered into force. Kosovo now needs, more than ever, national unity, regional reconciliation and credible implementation of the SAA.
Julie Ward (S&D). – Mr President, along with four other Members, I have just returned from the Election Observation Mission in Kosovo, where we heard from many reliable sources about significant interference and provocation from Belgrade, including intimidation of candidates and voters during the campaign period, leading in some cases to violence, including inter-ethnic conflict between different Serbian interests. The organisation of buses and trains from Serbia to Kosovo bearing nationalistic slogans in January and carrying likely bought voters last weekend, is also to be deplored.
Outside of the political arena, I witnessed the deep yearning, commitment and action of many Balkan young people who simply want to live side by side in peace, and whose vision shames the old order. Whilst old warlords and vested interests, both Serbs and Albanians, continue to prevaricate, slowing down the accession process, young people of all ethnicities crossed the Mitrovica bridge as part of the Musicians without Borders Rock School.
Eduard Kukan (PPE). – Mr President, I would like to thank the rapporteur Ulrike Lunacek and to congratulate the people of Kosovo for the orderly and peaceful elections conducted last Sunday.
Now it is of the essence to move forward on forming a government and starting to address much-needed reforms. We need to see the improvement of both the rule of law and the fight against corruption. It has been over a year since the Stabilisation and Association Agreement entered into force, and more tangible progress on EU approximation needs to be seen. Kosovo cannot afford to lose more time, as seen in the first half of 2016 during the impasse in the Kosovo Assembly. That is why I urge all political parties to participate constructively in the daily political life of the parliament.
Kosovo’s role in the region also remains very important. I hope that the new government will play a positive role in the regional reconciliation. Strong political will and good faith to implement agreements, including the setting up of the Association of Serbian Municipalities, will be a much appreciated gesture from Kosovo to all its neighbours and to its own population. This needs a tough political determination. I hope that the incoming government will possess the political capital to do this.
László Tőkés (PPE). – Elnök Úr, Magyarország a nyugat-balkáni térség stabilitásában és országainak európai integrációjában érdekelt. Éppen ezért komoly eredménynek tartjuk a tavaly áprilisában hatályba lépett EU-Koszovó stabilizációs és társulási egyezmény gyakorlatba ültetését előirányzó nemzeti stratégia elfogadását. Magyar szempontból külön is nagyra értékeljük, hogy az ország törvényei szerint a 120 tagú pristinai parlamentben húsz hely illeti meg az etnikai kisebbségeket. Ez az elv követendő jó gyakorlatnak számít az egész nyugat-balkáni térségben. Aggodalomra ad okot azonban az a belpolitikai instabilitás, mely a múlt heti előrehozott parlamenti választásokhoz vezetett. A kicsiny országot megosztó, kiélezett politika ellentétek oda juttatták Koszovót, hogy a kivívott függetlensége kínálta lehetőségekkel nem tud élni, sőt, az eddig elért eredményeit is rendre lerombolja. A pártos viszálykodás leküzdésére és kölcsönös megegyezésen alapuló elkötelezett politikai akaratra van szükség ahhoz, hogy Koszovó eleget tegyen demokratikus vállalásainak, és végre célegyenesbe kerüljön az európai integráció útján.
Dubravka Šuica (PPE). – Gospodine predsjedniče, zahvaljujem izvjestiteljici Lunacek na ovom izvješću. Sporazum o stabilizaciji i pridruživanju s Kosovom stupio je na snagu 1. travnja prošle godine i svakako je pozitivan korak u procesu priključenja Kosova Europskoj uniji. To je također prvi ugovorni odnos između Europske unije i Kosova. Iako je Kosovo donijelo mnoge zakonodavne reforme, vladavina zakona, konkretna i učinkovita provedba ostaju upitni.
Komisija je u svom izvješću o napretku, između ostaloga, istaknula polarizirano političko okruženje i prekide u parlamentarnim aktivnostima. Zastoj u Parlamentu spriječio je Kosovo u ratificiranju sporazuma o razgraničenju s Crnom Gorom, što je jedan od uvjeta koje je Europska unija postavila za liberalizaciju viznog režima. Dakle, potrebni su daljnji napori. Kosovo je još u ranoj fazi pripreme u mnogim područjima, kao što su reforme javne uprave, pravosudnog sustava, borba protiv korupcije i razvoj funkcionalnog tržišnog gospodarstva.
Zato smatram da ovo izvješće Europskog parlamenta može biti dobar poticaj novoj kosovskoj Vladi za nastavak pregovora s Europskom unijom. Koristim ovu prigodu kako bih pozvala ostale članice Europske unije koje nisu priznale Kosovo da priznaju Kosovo kako bi na taj način dali poticaj europskim integracijama i europskoj budućnosti i perspektivi Kosova.
Franc Bogovič (PPE). – Pridružujem se čestitki gospe Lunaček za poročilo o Kosovu, ki je uravnoteženo.
Poročevalci se trudijo najti predvsem dobre strani, ki se zgodijo v državi v zadnjem letu. Kar na nek način sem imel občutek, da je imela gospa Lunaček kar malce težav pri tem, kajti srečevali smo se z blokado v parlamentu na Kosovu, srečevali smo se celo z nasiljem v parlamentu in dogovarjanje znotraj Kosova je zelo težko.
Težko je tudi dogovarjanje v regiji in tudi ta apel, ki je skozi to poročilo, k boljšemu sodelovanju s Srbijo, Črno goro, je zagotovo na mestu in daje na nek način bodočo politično in tudi gospodarsko perspektivo.
Na področju vladavine prava sta še vedno problem korupcija, organiziran kriminal, tudi radikalizem, nenazadnje borci so iz Kosova odhajali tudi v ISIS.
Želim novi vladi, da najde odgovore na ta vprašanja, kakor tudi na vprašanja na gospodarskem področju, kajti stopnja brezposelnosti, predvsem brezposelnosti med mladimi, in beg ljudi s Kosova je velik problem in odgovori so zelo težki in res jim želim veliko sreče na tej poti.
Pri viza liberalizaciji bo zagotovo potrebno na Kosovu izpolniti pogoje, ki so povezani ravno z vladavino prava, prav tako pa tudi s pogoji na področju političnega sodelovanja in politične kulture v regiji.
Catch-the-eye-Verfahren
Marijana Petir (PPE). – Gospodine predsjedniče, izražavam jasnu podršku europskom putu Kosova pri čemu je prvi korak učinjen stupanjem na snagu sporazuma o stabilizaciji i pridruživanju u travnju 2016. godine. Pred Kosovom je još puno posla, potrebno je provesti reforme, i Kosovu je potrebna podrška na tom putu. U prvom redu podršku bi im trebala dati Srbija, koja im predstavlja najveći uteg. Republika Srbija mora se suzdržati od uplitanja u unutarnja državna pitanja Kosova te izazivanja provokativnih aktivnosti kao i upotrebe ekstremne i provokativne retorike.
Rezultati prijevremenih parlamentarnih izbora održanih prije dva dana na kojima je pobjedu odnijela koalicija na čelu s bivšim premijerom Ramushem Haradinajem, nad kojim je Srbija izdala uhidbeni nalog temeljem Zakona o organizaciji i nadležnosti državnih organa, nedvojbeno pokazuju volju građana Kosova. To je i poruka Srbiji da prestane zloupotrebljavati sporni zakon. Srbija i Kosovo moraju pronaći zajednički jezik i kanale za suradnju i to mora biti uvjet europskog puta za obje zemlje.
Νότης Μαριάς (ECR). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, το Κοσσυφοπέδιο, σύμφωνα με έρευνες αλλά και δημοσιεύματα, έχει μετατραπεί σε μία σφηκοφωλιάτων τζιχαντιστών, και αυτό είναι δεδομένο. Επομένως, μου κάνει ιδιαίτερη εντύπωση πώς θα προχωρήσει η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση σε κατάργηση της βίζας, όταν αυτή τη στιγμή είναι αποδεδειγμένο ότι υπάρχουν τρομοκράτες τζιχαντιστές στο Κοσσυφοπέδιο, όταν γίνεται εκπαίδευση. Αντιλαμβάνεστε, λοιπόν, ότι αυτό θα είναι ιδιαίτερα επικίνδυνο για την ασφάλεια της ίδιας της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Το δεύτερο είναι ότι αξιοποιείται το Κοσσυφοπέδιο από τους αλβανικούς πληθυσμούς, συνολικά για την προώθηση της ιδέας της Μεγάλης Αλβανίας, μια ιδέα αλυτρωτική, μια ιδέα που αμφισβητεί ακόμη και εδάφη εντός της ελληνικής επικράτειας. Επίσης, το δικαίωμα αναγνώρισης ενός τρίτου κράτους είναι δικαίωμα ανέλεγκτο, δικαίωμα που ανήκει σε κάθε κράτος μέλος της Ένωσης, και, ως εκ τούτου, ορθώς τα κράτη που δεν αναγνωρίζουν το Κοσσυφοπέδιο διατηρούν αυτό το δικαίωμα.
Igor Šoltes (Verts/ALE). – Prvo torej iskrena hvala kolegici Ulrike Lunaček za res odlično poročilo in za njen dolgoletni trud za krepitev Kosova in seveda za njegovo uveljavitev v enakopravni družini držav.
Vsekakor so tudi zadnje volitve pokazale, da seveda bo pred Kosovom kar težko obdobje sestavljanja nove vlade. Zaskrbljujoča je samo 41 % volilna udeležba in pravzaprav veliko veliko število tako imenovanih praznih glasovnic, kar kaže na nek način nek tihi protest ljudi, ker dokler ne bo seveda odločnega boja proti korupciji, dokler seveda ne bo tudi zahtev po in uresničitve po neodvisnem sodstvu, napredka ne bo.
In mislim to je tudi naloga Evropskega parlamenta, da pri tem, kolikor se da, aktivno pomaga kolegom tudi v novo izvoljenem parlamentu Kosova.
Csaba Sógor (PPE). – Elnök Úr, meglehetősen furcsa annak a helyzetnek a fenntartása, hogy öt EU-tagállam még mindig nem ismerte el Koszovó függetlenségét. A Romániai Magyar Demokrata Szövetség volt az egyetlen a román parlamentben, amely a függetlenség kikiáltása után Koszovó elismerése mellett szavazott, sajnos a román külügy álláspontja azóta sem jutott erre a döntésre. Az elismerés nemcsak az ország kezdeti európai integrációs lépéseinek megtételéhez elengedhetetlen, de a Szerbia és Koszovó közötti közeledésnek is kedvező környezetet teremtene. Arról nem is beszélve, hogy az EU közös külpolitikai megközelítésének szerezne hitelességet és tekintélyt. Meggyőződésem, hogy a nyugat-balkáni államok integrációs erőfeszítéseit jutalmaznunk kellene, mivel vannak olyan nemzetközi szereplők, amelyek szintén aktívak a térségben, és sok esetben a tartós békével ellentétes célokat követnek. Hosszú az út Koszovó EU-csatlakozásáig, de a célnak egyértelműen ennek kell lennie, mert az egész Nyugat-Balkán helye az EU-ban van.
Krisztina Morvai (NI). – Elnök Úr, hogyan lehetséges a következő helyzet? Koszovóban van egy őshonos, tehát ott született százötvenezres szerb közösség. Ennek a közösségnek az Európai Unió és persze a szerb anyaország kipréselt, kikövetelt egy régi értelemben vett területi autonómiát, teljes körű, tényleges autonómiát. Az előbb tárgyalt Szerbiában van egy háromszázezres, vagy közel háromszázezres őshonos magyar közösség, akiknek nincsen területi autonómiájuk, nincs teljes körű és tényleges autonómiájuk. A kérdésemben persze benne van a válasz, amit úgysem szoktam soha megkapni, mert ez nem szokás itt, ebben a Parlamentben, de azért kérdezem Lunacek asszonyt, és kérdezem a Bizottságot. Benne van a válasz: ott az anyaország – és itt most nem pártkérdésekről beszélek – az anyaország kiharcolta, kikövetelte és az Európai Unió is kikövetelte.
Ruža Tomašić (ECR). – Gospodine predsjedniče, Kosovo se nalazi u kritičnoj fazi svoje državnosti. Država postoji, priznata je od 111 država članica UN-a i mora svim svojim građanima pružati sve one usluge koje se od države očekuju. S druge strane, postoje stalni udari na državnost Kosova, prvenstveno iz Srbije i to ovoj mladoj državi jako otežava razvoj.
Odnos Europske unije prema Kosovu duboko je nepravedan, jer mu obećavamo europsku perspektivu, a nismo mu osigurali ni međunarodno priznanje od svih država članica Unije. Ako pojedine članice Kosovo ne priznaju kao samostalnu državu, kako će ga primiti u Uniju?
Na taj način šaljemo i krivu poruku Srbiji, koja će dati sve od sebe da postane članica unije i bez priznanja Kosova. Dopustimo li to, uvest ćemo jedan veliki problem u ovu zajednicu. Mislim da ih imamo sasvim dovoljno i ovaj treba riješiti prije nego što ove dvije države postanu članice.
(Ende des Catch-the-eye-Verfahrens)
Johannes Hahn,Mitglied der Kommission. – Herr Präsident, Frau Minister, liebe Ulrike Lunacek! Ich hoffe, der Umstand, dass die meisten Mitglieder des Parlaments nach ihrer Wortmeldung den Saal verlassen haben, ist kein Symbol für die Haltung gegenüber dem Kosovo. Er verdient jedwede Aufmerksamkeit. Ich bedanke mich aber im Großen und Ganzen für die kritischen, aber doch überwiegend positiven Stellungnahmen zur Situation im Land.
Die Wahlen haben gezeigt – und das ist schon hinreichend heute diskutiert worden –, dass das Ergebnis vermutlich nicht dazu führen wird, dass es schnell zu einer Regierungsbildung kommen wird. Das Gegenteil ist zu befürchten. Ich hoffe, es dauert nicht wieder neun Monate. Aber die Rhetorik im Vorfeld hat dazu geführt, dass es jetzt wieder einzementierte Positionen gibt und es schwer sein wird, hier Koalitionen zu finden. Ich hoffe, man zieht seine Lehren daraus und versteht, dass Demokratie eben auch heißt, Kompromisse zu finden und nicht in Schwarz-Weiß-Kategorien zu denken und zu handeln.
Ich kann nur versichern: Die Europäische Kommission ist committed zur europäischen Perspektive des Kosovo. Wir tun alles, wir haben auch im Vorjahr geliefert, nicht nur das Stabilisierungs- und Assoziierungs-Agreement, sondern auch die europäische Reformagenda. Es liegt jetzt wirklich an den Autoritäten im Land, diese Möglichkeiten zu nutzen. Die Bürgerinnen und Bürger des Kosovo wollen das. 75 % Prozent – eine satte Dreiviertelmehrheit – sind für die europäische Integration.
Auch was die Visaliberalisierung anbelangt, liegt es an den Verantwortlichen, zu liefern. Es ist nicht Aufgabe der Europäischen Union oder anderer hier, die Ergebnisse, die Beschlüsse herbeizuführen. Es ist ein internes Problem.
Wie gesagt: Wir stehen an der Seite des Kosovo, seiner Bürgerinnen und Bürger. Sie verdienen es, diese europäische Perspektive zu haben. Wir erwarten aber auch, dass die neue Regierung ein klares Bekenntnis zur europäischen Perspektive abgibt, und ich sage ganz offen: nicht nur in Worten, sondern auch in Taten.
Helena Dalli,President-in-Office of the Council. – Mr President, Commissioner, honourable Members, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the excellent work and commitment of the rapporteur of the European Parliament on Kosovo, my friend Ulrike Lunacek.
The EU will continue to assist Kosovo, including through its strengthened presence on the ground. However, the primary responsibility for progress lies with Kosovo: its leaders, institutions and civil society. Reforms are crucial and will require the political leaders to live up to their responsibilities for the good of Kosovo and of its citizens. Key EU-related reforms are essential: not to please the EU but because they are in the interest of Kosovo itself.
Ulrike Lunacek, rapporteur. – Mr President, let me first of all thank our colleagues for all the positive remarks and support that I got from so many of them, including from the Council and the Commission. Let me also – before I forget – welcome the Ambassador of Kosovo to the European Union, Bernard Nikaj, up there with Valëza Oruçi. I am glad he is here.
Let me also address the few – I think hardly any of them are still here – who have been very critical of Kosovo. These are the non-recognisers and those from the far left and the far right. First of all, there was a verdict from the International Court of Justice in 2010, which said that the unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law, and this was confirmed by the UN General Assembly. So stop saying that this is against international law. Secondly, you will not be able to turn back history. The Republic of Kosovo exists and is recognised by 114 UN Member States. We will all continue to struggle to make Kosovo part of that European Union in a very positive way.
Turning back to what now has to be done in Kosovo, a new government has to be formed, and I hope this will happen swiftly. We cannot wait another nine months as happened last time. This is because of Kosovo’s citizens: they will not do it for us. It is not for us here in the Parliament or for the European Union that a government should be formed; it is for delivering on the promises that the candidates have made to the people, and it is for delivering what people expect: for example, visa liberalisation.
It is sure that the new Assembly now has to ratify, as swiftly as possible, the border demarcation with Montenegro – there is no way around that – and deliver on the track record of convictions against organised crime and corruption. That has to be done by the government. Without that, progress will not be possible and citizens will not believe that there is a new government that is theirs. That is important.
We have the support, and I hope we will have a good vote tomorrow for this report in the interest of Kosovo’s citizens.
Der Präsident. – Als Erklärung an den Kommissar: Die meisten der Abgeordnetenkollegen haben Besuchergruppen aus den Wahlkreisen da, und die erwarten, ihre Abgeordneten abends zu sehen, damit sie den Bürgerinnen und Bürgern europäische Politik erkären. Ich vermute, das ist der Grund, und nicht die Haltung zum Kosovo.
Die Aussprache ist geschlossen.
Die Abstimmung findet morgen, Mittwoch, 14. Juni 2017, statt.
Schriftliche Erklärungen (Artikel 162 GO)
Andor Deli (PPE), írásban. – Először is szeretném örömömet kifejezni, hogy a 2016-os koszovói országjelentés a szerb ország jelentéssel napirendre került. Magyarország számára prioritás a Nyugat-Balkán stabilitása, ezért támogat minden olyan kezdeményezést, amely a megbékéléshez vezet, továbbá igyekszik ösztönözni a régió országai között a szorosabb gazdasági és politikai együttműködést, amelyben az EU-nak vezető szerepet kellene vállalnia.
A régió stabilitása nagyban függ a Szerbia és Koszovó között zajló normalizációs folyamatoktól, az úgynevezett brüsszeli egyezség következetes végrehajtásától. Belgrád részéről az egyezség több pontjában is láthattunk előrehaladását (energetika, telekommunikáció, stb.), viszont Pristina hosszú ideje nem hajlandó megteremteni a feltételeket a Szerb Községek Közösségének megalapításához. Úgy gondolom, hogy az EU ebben a kérdésben következetesebben kell, hogy eljárjon. A vasárnapi előrehozott választások kapcsán szeretném reményemet kifejezni, hogy az európai értékek és a megbékélés iránt elkötelezett kormány fog alakulni, amely többek között kisebbségi önkormányzatiság és autonómia megteremtését is prioritásként fogja kezelni. Köszönöm, hogy meghallgattak.
Jaromír Kohlíček (GUE/NGL), písemně. – Celá zpráva je poznamenána oprávněným úsilím Srbska o neuznání jednostranného odtržení Kosova. Z tohoto postoje logicky plynou ve zprávě kritizované kroky Srbska. Jde zejména o zabránění účasti na práci mezinárodních organizací a propojení energetických sítí. Zpráva konstatuje, že 90 % obyvatel se obává nezaměstnanosti, přitom podporou malého a středního podnikání se vláda příliš nezabývá. S drzostí sobě vlastní se autorka zprávy v bodě 8 domnívá, že je důležité, aby bezpečnostní politika Kosova byla v souladu se společnou zahraniční a bezpečnostní politikou EU. Experti připravující podklady ke zprávě zřejmě mají patent na rozum. Kroky Srbska směřující k odsouzení válečných zločinců zpráva kritizuje, ale zároveň požaduje vyšetření a odsouzení válečných zločinů. Znepokojení nad nedostatkem ochrany svobody projevu a svobody médií stejně jako hluboce zakořeněná korupce, existence ozbrojených skupin zapojených do organizované trestné činnosti s přeshraničním rozměrem aktivit. Praktická neexistence zabavování majetku, obstavování aktiv pocházejících z trestné činnosti. Chybějící účinná strategie pro sledování a stíhání navrátivších se zahraničních bojovníků, to vše jsou další argumenty poukazující na praktickou neexistenci konsolidovaného státu. Zpráva žádá řešení otázky zaručení návratu a znovu začlenění vysídlených osob, včetně dodržování občanských svobod všech komunit. Jelikož v posledních volbách v Kosovo zvítězily síly spojené UCK, velkou naději na zlepšení situace zde nevidím.
Kati Piri (S&D), schriftelijk. – Terwijl Kosovo net verkiezingen achter de rug heeft, wil ik de aandacht vestigen op het volgende probleem: de mogelijke sluiting van het International Business College van Mitrovica. Op 31 juli aanstaande dreigt het International Business College van Mitrovica gesloten te worden. Voor de helft van de 174 leerlingen brengt dit grote problemen met zich mee. Circa 80 studenten zijn afkomstig uit minderheidsgroepen en de continuïteit van hun onderwijs staat op het spel. Zij kunnen niet worden overgeplaatst naar andere universiteiten, omdat nergens anders in het Engels of Servisch wordt onderwezen.
Donorfinanciering was beschikbaar tot begin dit jaar. Kosovo had 1,5 miljoen euro geïnvesteerd en landen als Zweden, Denemarken, Zwitserland, het Verenigd Koninkrijk en Nederland – maar ook de EU – hebben gezamenlijk 13,5 miljoen euro gedoneerd. Het is doodzonde dat het succes van deze multi-etnische school ten onder dreigt te gaan aan een gebrek aan gevoel voor urgentie bij de Kosovaarse overheid.
Vandaar mijn verzoek aan de Europese Commissie om politieke druk uit te oefenen op de minister-president en de minister van Onderwijs om zo spoedig mogelijk een verzoek voor noodfinanciering voor deze school op te stellen en hiermee een oplossing te creëren voor de continuïteit van deze school.