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Kosovo: EU Mission

Volume 697: debated on Wednesday 9 January 2008

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to ensure that the European Union mission in Kosovo is assisting the people of Kosovo with access to justice by all appropriate support including financial and human resources for the reform and development of the security and justice sectors of society. [HL994]

The 14 December 2007 European Council underlined that the EU stands ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status. It also made clear that such a settlement should ensure a democratic, multi-ethnic Kosovo committed to the rule of law and the protection of minorities.

The EU's security and defence policy rule of law mission to Kosovo will provide financial support and capacity building to the policing, judicial and customs sectors. An EU planning team has been working with the provisional institutions of self-government, civil society and other international actors for the past 18 months to prepare for the mission's arrival.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their priorities for the European Union mission to Kosovo in assisting in the reduction of endemic unemployment with particular reference to its potential consequences as a driving factor for conflict. [HL995]

The Government fully recognise the challenges in improving Kosovo's economic situation. Economic development is one of the main reasons that Kosovo needs clarity on its status. But there is no reason why Kosovo, with the long-term help and support of the international community, cannot make a success of its future.

The European Council on 14 December 2007 made clear the EU's readiness to assist Kosovo on the path towards sustainable stability, including with the deployment of a European security and defence policy mission. This mission will focus on policing and the rule of law. The EU also stated its readiness to assist economic and political development. Kosovo received €70 million in 2007 and will receive €120 million in 2008 from the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment in connection with the European Union mission in Kosovo of unscheduled power cuts, an uneven distribution of electricity and the difficulty encountered by people in paying outstanding utility bills, as causes of potential conflict. [HL996]

Unscheduled power cuts, an uneven distribution of electricity and a difficulty in paying—and enforcing payment of—utility bills are already a feature of daily life in Kosovo. These issues reflect the decrepit state of much of Kosovo's infrastructure which has seen inadequate investment over many years. Indeed economic recovery and investment in infrastructure is one of the main reasons that Kosovo needs clarity on its status.

The EU is already engaged in this area. Kosovo received €70 million in 2007 and will receive €120 million in 2008 from the EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession. Part of this funding is focused on cross-border co-operation—an essential element of ensuring a regular energy supply.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their priorities for the European Union mission in Kosovo in promoting an equitable solution to the energy supply problems there. [HL997]

The Government fully recognise the challenges in improving Kosovo's economic situation. Economic development, including in the energy sector, is one of the main reasons that Kosovo needs clarity on its status. But there is no reason why Kosovo, with the long-term help and support of the international community, cannot make a success of its future.