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Kosovo under UN Security Council Resolution 1244/99 – profile

Political relations with EU

The EU reiterated in 2008 that Kosovo (under UN resolution 1244 ) has has a clear European perspective in line with the European perspective of the Western Balkans region.

The EU helps ensure the stability of Kosovo through:

• EULEX rule of law mission in Kosovo
• Special representative in Kosovo
• Kosovo international civilian office.

And the Commission provides recommendations on how to achieve the targets in the European Partnership for Kosovo.

Economic relations with EU (2007)

The EU is Kosovo's main trading partner and foreign investor (over 50% of total FDI, worth 10% of Kosovo's GDP).

Trade with the EU has expanded since 2000, when Kosovo gained greater access through the autonomous trade measures.

Exports to the EU(mainly base metals and base-metal products) make up 11% of Kosovo GDP and imports 52%.

 

2008 donor conference (Brussels)

Over €1.2bn (almost €800m from EU countries and the Commission) was pledged to fund socio-economic development in Kosovo and help bridge a €1.4 billion funding gap in 2009-11.

Donors – EU countries, non-EU donors, international financial institutions

 

Key events:

20 June 2008 - In a report to the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary General acknowledges the need for the UN to reconfigure the international presence in Kosovo and the EU decision to deploy a European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) rule of law mission.

19/20 June 2008 - The European Council recalls EU's 'willingness to assist the economic and political development of Kosovo through a clear European perspective, in line with the European perspective of the region'.

15 June 2008 - The Constitution of Kosovo enters into force.

18 February 2008 - The Council of the European Union takes note of Kosovo's declaration of independence resolution and notes that member states will decide, in accordance with national practice and international law, on their relations with Kosovo. It underlines EU's conviction that Kosovo constitutes a sui generis case.

17 February 2008 - The Kosovo Assembly adopts a resolution which declares Kosovo to be independent.

14 December 2007 - The EU underlines its readiness to play a leading role in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status and to assist Kosovo in the path towards stability, including by an ESDP mission and a contribution to an international civilian office as part of the international presences.

05 November 2007 - The European Commission publishes its third progress report for Kosovo under UNSCR 1244.

26 March 2007 - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon forwards to the UN Security Council the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement prepared by his Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari.

February 2006 - Status negotiations commence under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy for the future status process.

November 2005 - The UN Security Council endorses the appointment of Martti Ahtisaari by the UN Secretary General as Special Envoy for the future status process for Kosovo.

April 2005 - The Commission adopts the Communication to the Council and the European Parliament on "A European Future for Kosovo".

February 2002 - The Provisional Institutions for Self-government are established (a President, a government with a Prime Minister and ministers and an Assembly).

November 2001 - Kosovo holds general elections.

November 2000 -Zagreb Summit launches the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) for five countries of South-Eastern Europe.

June 1999 - NATO-led KFOR enters Kosovo.

June 1999 - United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 establishes the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

May 1999 - The EU proposes the new Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) for five countries of South-Eastern Europe.

March - June 1999 - NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslav military and security targets in Kosovo and Yugoslavia proper ('Operation Allied Force').

February 1999 - The Contact Group convenes peace talks at Rambouillet. Yugoslavia rejects the proposed Interim Agreement for Peace and Self-Government in Kosovo and talks break down on 19 March.