The role of the European Union in the creation of a state

Despite not always being a welcome guest, the EU has had a massive part to play in the creation of Kosovo. Even before the Kosovar declaration of independence in 2008, the European Union had begun to exert a substantial influence within the region. We take a look at how the European community has tried to further the development of the young and controversial state.

Before the Declaration of Independence

Before the Kosovars declared independence from Serbia in 2008, the EU already had many ways of bringing aid to the region. Research within the financial archive of the EU shows us the existence of two prominent programmes created after the civil war in 1999. First, there was the CARDS programme (Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Development and Stabilization), which was the primary financial contributor of the Western Balkans between 2000 and 2007, with Kosovo being one of its beneficiaries. This financial aid was designed on the basis of the Stabilization and Association Process, which led to transfers of at least €4 billion within eight years to different states within the Balkans.

The second programme was named the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), an organ of the EU responsible for the promotion of human rights. Within this programme, there was a possibility for specific Country-based support. However, due to the complex status of Kosovo, it was not eligible for such financial support until 2007. Overall, in more than eight years the European Commission became the biggest contributor to Kosovo with €2bn being allocated to the region, which would amount to €165 per person each year. In 2008, both programmes were taken over by the European Commission Liaison Office within Kosovo itself, signalling the beginning of a more ‘hands on’ approach by the EU.

Many experts believe that the overall contribution made by the European Union before 2008 ended up being quite limited. This can be explained by the fact that the EU was not the main international presence within the region at that time, the UN was. The role of the European Union was purely financial, and therefore ended up being quite insignificant. Changes were necessary, and after the Declaration of Independence, the Ahtisaari Proposal and the admission of failure by the UN, everything changed.

After the Declaration

After Kosovo declared itself independent, the European Union started taking over competences previously held by the UN. The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) were set up specifically to help Kosovo in its quest to become a fully functioning independent state.

These institutions were created, despite internal divisions within the EU about the legitimacy of the declaration. Up until today, Spain and Greece have refused to recognize Kosovo as an independent state.

The organization EULEX, considered to be the main European presence in Kosovo, is responsible for delivering assistance to the local authorities. This means it helps the state develop a functioning police force and establish a working rule of law. The EUSR is more focused on creating an environment within Kosovo where a possible integration within the EU becomes possible. Together with the Liaisons Office, the EUSR advises the government in Pristina on how to achieve EU admission.

The take-over by EU led projects has clearly shifted the focus of contributions made by the Union. It was no longer simply a financial contributor, but started internally enforcing the state of Kosovo. How did the European Union do this? Well, Strategy papers from the EU show us that along with sustained financial backing, it tried to liberalize the market by concentrating on employment, education and training.

However, financial aid still remains a priority for the European Community. Through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Programme (IPA), the EU has provided €635 million between 2007 and 2013, in addition to the aid funded by EIDHR and CARDS. This funding will continue until at least 2020, according to the “European Commission Strategy Paper for Kosovo in 2014-2020”.

Despite several difficulties during its creation, many believe that the EU mission has been quite successful and has delivered on its promises. It has proven to be more proactive than its predecessors of the UN, and has particularly proven to be a success when it comes to security.

Controversy?

However, the EU-led programme is not without its controversies. It is public knowledge that the reasoning behind the EU’s involvement is simple: they want, in the long term, for Kosovo to become a strong enough state to be able to join the Union. Kosovo seems to be one of the potential future member states being lined up by the EU. For that, it needs to first meet the criteria of Copenhagen. These are specific preconditions that a potential future member state has to meet before being able to join the European Union. Some even argue that this interest in Kosovo is simply a means to an end, namely increased significance within the Balkans.

Despite the fact the EU cannot force Kosovo to do anything, its influence continues to grow. Due to the apparent willingness of Kosovar officials to follow the EU in their mission to ensure future accession to the Union, the European Community has become a powerful actor within the region.

Nevertheless, such a route towards the Union continues to be long and difficult, with many roadblocks along the way. Kosovo is still missing many of the basic standards that a strong, functional state requires. Right now, the focus of the Kosovar government and the EU lies on improving Human Rights, extinguishing corruption and organized crime, and improving the rule of law within the region. Therefore, whether they like it or not, the Kosovar population will remain dependent on the European Union and its significant finances for the foreseeable future.

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