From 13-15 of November 2015, Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) hosted the first workshop of the European Integration School, on the topic: “Institutional Structures between Kosovo and EU in the framework of Stabilisation and Association Agreement”. This workshop is part of the project “Strengthening the discourse on knowledge in the field of the Stabilisation and Association Process between Kosovo and EU through a mini school on European Integration”, supported by Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS) and implemented by GLPS.

By signing the SAA, Kosovo will for the first time establish a contractual relation with European Union, and as a result, Kosovo institutions will face various challenges with regards to rule of law field, with particular emphasis on data protection, border management, migration policies, readmission, money laundering and terrorism financing. The main purpose of this workshop was to enhance the professional knowledge of journalists, Members of Parliament, as well as officials from relevant institutions, with regards to their role in the implementation process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and its importance for Kosovo. This workshop was dedicated specifically to the establishment of joint institutions between EU and Kosovo, within the framework of the SAA. In addition, this workshop offered an exceptionally original perspective in addressing the process of criteria upon which the institutional communication will be developed, using comparative perspectives of other countries in the region.  Participants had the opportunity to discuss and become more familiar with the SAA process and its implementation in Albania, as well as the success stories and failures throughout the long path towards the EU Integration.

During the workshop, GLPS arranged two discussion sessions with Kosovo MPs, with the aim of discussing the importance of enhancing institutional communication and the need for a better coordination among relevant institutions, in order to achieve the objectives deriving from the SAA.  Moreover, Members of Kosovo Parliament have shown their willingness to work together in all upcoming policies and strategies related directly to Kosovo’s path toward EU integration.

Speakers:

1. Ms. Majlinda Bregu – Head of European Integration Committee in Albania, Former Minister for European Integration of Albania;
2. Mr. Gentian Elezi – Deputy Minister of European Integration of Albania;
3. Mr. Aleksandër Cipa – Head of Journalists Union of Albania.

Venue:  Hotel Mondial, Tirana, Albania