Category: News Organizations: European Union Kosovo , EUSR , EU Tags:
The Economic Reform Programme (ERP) 2020-2022 was discussed by representatives of the EU Member States, the Western Balkans and Turkey, the European Commission and the European Central Bank, as well as representatives of the central banks of the Western Balkans and Turkey at their annual economic policy dialogue meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.
The highlight of the meeting were the outstanding challenges in the public health, economic and social aspects in Western Balkans, Turkey and the EU Member States created with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The parties agreed that this year’s economic policy dialogue will focus on measures providing an immediate fiscal, economic and social policy response to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, as well as transition to more structural measures to foster the medium-term recovery. As regards Kosovo’s economic situation in 2019, economic growth remained relatively robust during 2019, led by consumption and private investment. At the same time, major structural obstacles to growth and competitiveness remain a challenge.
This year’s meeting reviewed the Kosovo Economic Reform Programme, focusing on effective and well-coordinated structural reforms that will contribute to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and accelerate the post-crisis economic recovery. In particular to the challenges posed by Covid-19, Kosovo should strengthen the public health sector, preserve employment and improve social protection, enhance the business environment and provide support to the private sector.
