UNMIK/PR/1436
PRISTINA – Today, DSRSG Joachim Ruecker has signed, for UNMIK on behalf of Kosovo, the Treaty establishing the EU/South Eastern Europe Energy Community. Deputy Minister for Energy and Mining Agron Dida was also present at the ceremony in Athens, which was attended by the Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, the British Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on behalf of the EU Presidency, Alan Johnson, Stability Pact Coordinator Erhard Busek as well as representatives from seven countries from the region (Albania, FYROM, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania). At the time of signature, DSRSG Ruecker presented a formal Declaration setting out specific terms governing UNMIK’s signature of the Treaty, which flow from UNMIK’s interim administration mandate and specific status of Kosovo pursuant to UNSCR 1244 (1999). The Declaration will form part of the official records of the Treaty.
The Treaty aims to create a single stable regulatory framework for the trading of energy across borders. With this agreement, Kosovo will participate in the cooperative energy market institutions that are in line with the EU acquis (entire body of legislation of the European Union) and also take part in the collective mechanisms for the resolution of potential conflicts. This will enhance the prospects for economic prosperity for all, by increasing supply security and hopefully lowering prices.
DSRSG Ruecker said at the ceremony: “The implementation of this Treaty will bring huge benefits to all the people of the region. It is a process of regional integration that resembles the very first cornerstone of the establishment of the European Union, back in 1951.” The DSRSG expressed his confidence that by establishing free trade of energy and promoting a positive perception of the investment climate in the region, the Treaty will greatly contribute to attracting foreign direct investment to Kosovo.