EU/Kosovo Framework Agreement: participation of Kosovo in Union programmes

PURPOSE: to conclude the Framework Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo* on the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in Union programmes.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

BACKGROUND: in accordance with a Council Decision, the Framework Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo on the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in Union programmes was signed, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

On 14 December 2010, the Council stated that it looked forward to receiving a Commission proposal that would allow for Kosovo’s participation in Union programmes. Such participation is to be made possible by the conclusion of the Agreement.

The aim of the Agreement is that the Union carry out economic, financial and technical cooperation measures with Kosovo pursuant to Article 212 of the TFEU.

It is now necessary to conclude the Agreement on behalf of the EU.

CONTENT: under this proposal, the Council is called upon to approve, on behalf of the European Union, the Framework Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo on the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in Union programmes.

Kosovo shall be eligible to participate in the following Union programmes:

• existing Union programmes which are listed below and their successor programmes, which are open to candidate countries and potential candidate countries benefiting from the pre-accession strategy for the Western Balkans;
• Union programmes established or renewed after the entry into force of the Agreement and which contain an opening clause which provides for the participation of Kosovo.

Programmes concerned: Kosovo may participate in the following programmes:

• European Earth monitoring programme (GMES),
• Framework programme on Solidarity and the Management of Migration Flows for the period 2007-2013,
• Fiscalis 2013,
• Customs 2013,
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme,
• Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS,
• Programme of Community Action in the Field of Consumer Policy,
• GALILEO Programme,
• SESAR Programme and Joint Undertaking,
• Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme,
• ICT Policy Support Programme,
• Interoperability Solutions for European Public Administrations (ISA),
• LIFE+,
• Public Health,
• Lifelong Learning,
• Culture,
• Europe for Citizens,
• European Audiovisual Sector (MEDIA 2007),
• Pericles (2002-2013),
• Youth in Action,
• Research and Innovation,
• Knowledge for Growth.

Financing: Kosovo shall contribute financially to the general budget of the European Union in proportion to the specific programmes in which it participates.

The specific terms and conditions, including the relevant financial contribution, for the participation of Kosovo in each particular programme should be determined by agreement between the European Commission, acting on behalf of the European Union, and the authorities of Kosovo.

N.B.: the conclusion of the Agreement does not prejudge the position of Member States on the status of Kosovo, which will be decided in accordance with their national practice and international law. None of the terms, wording or definitions used in this Decision, the Agreement, including its Annex, or in the Union programmes constitute recognition of Kosovo by the Union as an independent State, nor does it constitute recognition by individual Member States of Kosovo in that capacity where they have not taken such a step.