Kosovo's Journey Towards European Integration: Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward

Abstract

Kosovo, a landlocked country in the Western Balkans, declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Since then, it has been actively pursuing its European integration process to become a fully-fledged member of the European Union. The European integration process is a strategic priority for Kosovo, as it seeks to align its legal, institutional, and administrative framework standard. The process promotes democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, and economic development. Kosovo's European integration process is guided by the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) it signed with the European Union in 2015, which sets out the framework for Kosovo's engagement with the European Union and outlines the necessary reforms and commitments for its European integration. The SAA is accompanied by several other European Union instruments and initiatives, such as the European Reform Agenda, which provides a roadmap for reforms, and the European Investment Plan, which aims to boost economic growth and investment in Kosovo. The European integration process is crucial for Kosovo's political stability, economic prosperity, and social development. It is seen as a way to strengthen the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. And to enhance Kosovo's regional cooperation and reconciliation efforts. However, Kosovo faces various challenges in its European integration process, including corruption, organized crime, weak governance, and socio-economic disparities. In this context, discussion on the necessary steps for Kosovo to continue its path towards European integration, focusing on key areas such as reforms, democratic governance, alignment with the European Union acquis, economic development, human capital, regional cooperation, administrative capacities, citizen engagement, dialogue with the European Union, and progress monitoring. By taking these steps, Kosovo can progress in its European integration process and move closer to its goal of European Union membership.   Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 14 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023