Thewesternbalkans
The Parliamentary Assembly of NATO approved the recommendation for advancing the status of Kosovo from an observer member to an associate member. This decision was taken during the meeting of the Assembly, held on May 27 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Most of the countries have voted for, one vote was against and 14 other countries have abstained.
“The status advancement comes after several years of excellent cooperation between the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. From June 2014, we were represented as an observer delegation”, said Driton Hyseni, the Chairman of the Kosovo Delegation in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
According to him the numerous letters and continuous efforts of the delegation of Serbia, but also of other political actors in Belgrade, did not succeed in stopping Kosovo from advancing its status.
The Serbian parliament’s delegation to the NATO PA has condemned the decision to grant Kosovo associate membership, describing it as a “dangerous precedent that will worsen the living conditions of Serbs in Kosovo”. The delegation also assesses that with this decision Kosovo is encouraged not to implement the agreements reached, including the Association of Serb majority municipalities.
Comment: After the postponement of the Kosovo’s admission to the Council of Europe earlier this month, the decision of the NATO PA to upgrade Kosovo’s status to an associate member is a real success for the country. With this decision, Kosovo is only one step away from full membership in the NATO PA, which will certainly affect the stability of the Balkans.
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is institutionally separate from NATO, but serves as an important link between NATO and member countries’ parliaments. Associate members may present resolutions and amendments to resolutions. Also, they can serve as special rapporteurs associated in committees, to present their perspectives in NATO-Parliamentary Assembly reports.
However, they do not have the right to vote on the Assembly’s reports, resolutions or leadership, nor do they contribute to its budget. Currently, there are nine associate members including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Assembly of Kosovo, for years, has been an observer delegation with two seats. Now, with the advancement of the status, it will be possible to expand the participating Kosovar delegation.
