Kosovo*
Kosovo is a potential candidate for the EU and since the Thessaloniki agenda in 2003, Kosovo participates in EU enlargement instruments. In 2008, the EU repeated its willingness to assist the economic and political development of Kosovo through a clear European perspective. The EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) has been in force since 2016. In December 2022, Kosovo applied for EU membership.
The K4R Programme delivers comprehensive technical expertise to Kosovo, offering both horizontal and chapter-specific support that aligns with the priorities set by the beneficiary.
UNOPS crucial contribution to the EU accession process in the Western Balkans includes the legal support provided to Kosovo to align its legislation with EU environmental standards, covering sustainable water management financing, nature protection, hunting regulations and wildlife conservation directives. Moreover, the K4R Programme team also supports alignment with EU energy acquis, by accelerating the energy system transition and supporting effective communication across the scope of closer EU integration, with the aim to enhance transparency and outreach to the public. Most recently, support has expanded to include the formulation of a new Common Regional Market Action Plan (CRM II) for the period 2025 - 2028.
In sum, the Knowledge for Reform Action (K4R) Programme is instrumental in supporting Kosovo’s progress towards EU integration by providing essential technical expertise across key sectors. Through comprehensive legal support for environmental standards, energy system transition, and public communication, K4R has helped Kosovo align its legislation with EU requirements. The programme’s recent involvement in shaping the new Common Regional Market Action Plan further demonstrates its commitment to enhancing Kosovo’s readiness for closer EU integration, contributing to the long-term economic and political development within a European framework.
UNOPS' Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans programme continues support for Kosovo's EU integration by providing technical expertise to Chapters 15 and 27. Significant contributions include support to establishment of the system of training and certification of RES technology installers under the Chapter 15 along with the support in drafting specific legislation for the nature protection and water management financing law under the Chapter 27. We are grateful of our stakeholders' partnership, the collective efforts strengthen UNOPS' commitment to Kosovo's European integration.