The “carrot” approach
This paper will provide an analysis of the main findings of the European Commission’s (EC) 2015 Kosovo report, it will identify the key challenges outlined by the EC and the expectations the Commission has from the authorities of Kosovo. The highlight of the reporting period is the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) on 27 October, which was reffered to as ”a milestone on Kosovo’s path towards a European future”. It could be inferred that what tilted the balance in favour of Kosovo was the agreement reached in the EU- facilitated dialogue with Serbia, which paved the way for the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities (A/CSM) and the Specialist Chambers. The SAA can be viewed as a ”carot” offered by the European Union to Kosovo, as a sign of appreciation for the efforts undertaken in addressing sensitive issues and also as an incentive to continue the reform process.