Stabilisation Tracking Mechanism

The Stabilisation Tracking Mechanism (STM) is the mirror instrument of the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) for Kosovo. Kosovo, a disputed province of Serbia under international administration that in 2008 unilaterally declared independence and received partial recognition, still not having a final status, was not able to commence with SAP. To ensure that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) follow EU-compatible practices in the political, economic and sectoral reform process, UNMIK and the European Commission agreed that an instrument was needed to monitor and guide the process. Although developments within Kosovo are not only a matter of reform, it was deemed profitable for the PISG and UNMIK to follow the methodology and substance of the SAP and thus avoid isolation from the mainstream of European integration.^[1]

To that end, on 6 November 2002, the European Commission launched the so-called Stabilisation and Association Process Tracking Mechanism (STM). The STM constitutes a parallel track to the EU's regular SAP and is intended to help the authorities in Kosovo prepare for reinforced policy-making relations within the framework of the SAP. It ensures that Kosovo is not isolated from the path of EU-compatible transition and development of Southeast Europe. The process aims to build an institutional, legislative, economic, and social framework directed by the values and models subscribed to by the EU, as well as to promote the transition to a market economy.^[2]

As of 2008, fifteen STM meetings had taken place, the latest in December 2008. The sixth STM meeting was held on 16 February 2005 in Pristina, the first meeting with the newly elected government. For the first time, specific sector workshops on energy and economy were organised on the margins of the STM main meeting.^[3]

The seventh STM meeting took place on 3 May 2005 in Pristina. The meeting focused on progress made on the Kosovo Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Partnership. Participants emphasised that improving Kosovo's economic situation was crucial for its development and regional integration — not only to enhance economic growth but also as an important contribution toward peace and stability throughout the region.^[4]

In 2008, the European Commission confirmed that it would conduct a "feasibility study" — traditionally the first step in the Stabilisation and Association Process that prepares potential candidates in the Western Balkans for membership of the EU.^[5]

See also

• Accession of Kosovo to the European Union
• Stabilisation and Association Process
• European Union and the Western Balkans