ANNEX C4 - Europa
TWINNING FINAL REPORTEUROPEAN COMMISSIONKS 14 IB OT 01 TWINNING PROJECT Support to the Kosovo AssemblyFINAL REPORTProject Title: Further Support to the Kosovo AssemblyPartners: Hungarian National Assembly, as Member State PartnerKosovo Assembly, as Beneficiary PartnerDate28 May 2018Twinning Contract numberKS 14 IB OT 01Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Section 1: Project data PAGEREF _Toc514664747 \h 3Section 2: Content PAGEREF _Toc514664748 \h 42A – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PAGEREF _Toc514664749 \h 42B – BACKGROUND PAGEREF _Toc514664750 \h 62C – IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS PAGEREF _Toc514664751 \h 11Developments outside the project PAGEREF _Toc514664752 \h 11Project developments PAGEREF _Toc514664753 \h 14Project visibility PAGEREF _Toc514664754 \h 192D – ACHIEVEMENTS OF MANDATORY RESULTS PAGEREF _Toc514664755 \h 21COMPONENT 0 PAGEREF _Toc514664756 \h 22COMPONENT 1 PAGEREF _Toc514664757 \h 23COMPONENT 2 PAGEREF _Toc514664758 \h 26COMPONENT 3 PAGEREF _Toc514664759 \h 30COMPONENT 4 PAGEREF _Toc514664760 \h 33COMPONENT 5 PAGEREF _Toc514664761 \h 372E – IMPACT PAGEREF _Toc514664762 \h 402F – FOLLOW-UP AND SUSTAINABILITY PAGEREF _Toc514664763 \h 422G – CONCLUSIONS PAGEREF _Toc514664764 \h 442H – FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS PAGEREF _Toc514664765 \h 452I – ANNEXES PAGEREF _Toc514664766 \h 47Annex 1: Overview of the mandatory results achieved PAGEREF _Toc514664767 \h 47Section 3: Expenditure PAGEREF _Toc514664768 \h 73Annex 2: Expenditures PAGEREF _Toc514664769 \h 73Section 1: Project dataTwinning Contract NumberKS 14 IB OT 01Project Title:Further Support to the Kosovo AssemblyTwinning Partners (MS and BC)Hungarian National Assembly (MS)Kosovo Assembly (BC)Duration of the project:25 months 1st March 2016 – 31st March 2018MS Project LeaderZoltán HorváthBC Project LeaderIsmet KrasniqiSection 2: Content2A – EXECUTIVE SUMMARYRegarding the mandatory results achieved, the comprehensive tasks and the intensive implementation of the activities, the Project can be considered as a great success.All the activities were carried out and all the recommendations needed to achieve the mandatory results were elaborated as it was planned by the Twinning contract. The recommendations of the Project were also summarized and submitted to the Beneficiary Parliament in the form of an Action Plan.Recommendations to assist the building up of a well-functioning parliament and the setting up of necessary structures and procedures in the Kosovo Assembly for a successful EU integration In each of the project fields the work has been concluded with a package of final recommendations for concrete actions which were elaborated in close cooperation and agreement with the BC.The final recommendation reports contain several hundreds of detailed recommendations with explanations in a customized manner. Final findings and recommendations were published in concluding publications on the Project components.The final recommendation reports served as a basis for the elaboration of the Action Plan facilitating the proper and timely implementation of project recommendations.Action Plan to improve the activities of the Assembly for a successful EU integration processBased on the detailed project recommendations, the Twinning Team – in close coordination with the BC partners – elaborated an Action Plan which establishes a prioritization of tasks and a clear differentiation between issues of political or administrative nature. The document is composed of 224 concrete actions which indicate clear deadlines and bodies responsible for implementation and wherever needed it points out if possible budgetary consequences might arise. The actions of the Action Plan were discussed with the BC Administration in three rounds and they agreed with the final version of all the proposed actions. The Action Plan not only facilitates the implementation of project recommendations, but can also serve as a tool for the Kosovo Assembly and donor organizations to identify key areas where further assistance may be needed, thus fostering an effective and actual donor coordination. The partnership between MS and BC sidesDuring the whole lifecycle of the Project the partnership among MS and BC sides worked smoothly, the mutual commitment was realized in form of close and efficient cooperation. The MS and BC project partners were looking for solutions which best serve the interests of the Kosovo Assembly. MS twinning experts arrived from 11 national parliaments (Hungary, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, UK – represented by the House of Lords and Northern Ireland Assembly) and the European Parliament. Therefore all the project proposals take into consideration the best practices of EU Member States based on a broad pool of experts, and at the same time the political, constitutional and cultural traditions of the Beneficiary Country as well. The MS implementing staff was in regular contact with both the political and administrative leaderships of the BC Parliament. The involvement of key political and administrative actors and the functioning of such multilevel cooperation framework well facilitated the elaboration of tailor-made recommendations. Overall evaluationFrom the perspective of the overall objective of the Twinning Project (‘To help the Kosovo Assembly to meet the democratic standards of functionality’) it is too early to make a final evaluation on the impact of the Project in detail, but the above mentioned achievements and various further proofs introduced in this report validate the extensive success of the Twinning Project. In case of parliamentary twinning projects it must be emphasized that for the implementation of a great part of the proposals political decisions are needed which can be made usually after finalisation of the project. In the current Twinning Project the Kosovo Assembly reacted in a very responsive and committed way to the Projects’ recommendations. However, one has to be aware – and it is also reaffirmed in the Action Plan –, that in the case of the majority of listed actions the implementation of the proposals requires time: in order to implement the key project proposals usually longer period, several months, in some cases years are needed. This timeframe can still be suited to the rhythm of the accession process, therefore one can be trusting that the Kosovo Assembly will be able to fully prepare itself to EU accession activities on the basis of the project proposals.Political endorsement of the project recommendations by the Assembly has key significance, therefore efforts should be made to ensure that the Action Plan elaborated by the Twinning Team will be discussed and endorsed by the Presidency of the Kosovo Assembly. A proper follow-up mechanism shall also be established which guarantees timely implementation of all project recommendations included in the Action Plan. The Presidency should practice political monitoring over the implementation of the Action Plan and should discuss the implementation process on a regular basis based on report from the Secretary.From this point of view the EU side will also have an important role to play in monitoring and supporting the implementation activities. It is based on this progress that the EU Office should prepare the possible future support on behalf of the EU, thus ensuring that various EU-funded projects in the same institution are realized in a consistent manner, building upon each other’s results, guaranteeing a reasonable and prudent use of EU resources.As a conclusion it can be stated that with the complete implementation of the project recommendations adopted in the Action Plan, the Kosovo Assembly would become capable to efficiently operate in the EU accession framework, assuming that additional crucial decisions will be taken on behalf of the executive branch and that the implementation of the recommendations will receive the necessary impetus from all side and all required resources will be mobilized. 2B – BACKGROUNDStarting points: Context of the project launchingThe Project’s overall objective was to help the Kosovo Assembly to meet the democratic standards of functionality. The Project’s purpose was to support the creation of the conditions of independent functioning of the Kosovo Assembly, to strengthen its oversight role in relation to both work of the Government and Independent Agencies; to strengthen the role of the Kosovo Assembly in EU-related issues; especially in the SAA process. The project reflected the need for improvement of the functioning of the Parliament in a new context: the European Commission adopted the proposal for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo on 30 April 2015. The agreement, (which came into effect during the project implementation period, on 1 April 2016), is an important step on Kosovo’s path to eventual EU membership. The agreement is the first contractual relation between the EU and Kosovo. It links integration with the EU – including by establishing a free trade area – and the prospect of future EU membership to economic, political and administrative reforms. The SAA provides a framework for political dialogue and covers co-operation in sectors, such as justice, trade, education, employment, energy, environment and other policy areas.In its Annual Action Programme for Kosovo for the year 2014, the European Commission declared that under democracy and governance, particular focus should be given to efforts to improve public administration in Kosovo, so as to enable it to transpose, apply and implement the EU acquis, especially in areas covered in the future SAA. The programme also envisaged help to strengthen the capacities of the Kosovo Assembly.The EC’s Indicative Strategy Paper for Kosovo (2014-2020) set out the priorities for EU financial assistance for the period 2014-2020 to support Kosovo in fulfilling its European perspective. It translated the political priorities set out in the enlargement policy framework into key areas where financial assistance is most needed to meet the relevant criteria. The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) is the main financial instrument to provide EU support to the beneficiaries in implementing reforms with a view to EU approximation. The Declaration on Medium-Term Policy Priorities (DMTPP) of Kosovo set the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2014-2016 which created the conditions for the necessary reform of particular sectors, through which economic, social and institutional preconditions can be met in order to bring Kosovo closer to the EU. DMTPP identified public administration reform as an essential tool to reach the objective of good governance.In 2009, the Kosovo Assembly adopted a Resolution on Kosovo’s priorities and strategies for EU integration. On the basis of this document, the Assembly has adopted annual European Integration Action Plans, reflecting the challenges identified and recommendations made by the European Commission. In December 2013, a comprehensive Action Plan on SAA 2014 was adopted by the Government, which also served as a benchmark for the Assembly in the SAA process.Assessment of the current situation and issues to be addressedAt the time of the preparation of the Project several observations were made in the following documents: In its 2014 Progress Report the European Commission emphasized that SAA is the first comprehensive agreement between the EU and Kosovo, providing for enhanced political dialogue, closer trade integration, including opening EU markets to Kosovo’s industrial and agricultural products, and new forms of cooperation. With regard to the political criteria, the 2014 report underlined that the new government and the Assembly would need to re-energise Kosovo’s reform agenda. Both institutions need to build on the existing political consensus in Kosovo on EU integration. Kosovo’s government has demonstrated its capacity to coordinate its EU integration agenda, notably with regard to the SAA negotiations.To implement and meet the obligations under the future SAA, Kosovo’s executive and the Assembly need to focus on the implementation of legislation and policies. Legislative and policy plans need to realistically reflect the resources required. The new legislature provided for a good opportunity to improve oversight of the executive and the legislative process. The Assembly’s role in supervising independent institutions and regulatory authorities needs to be strengthened. The implementation of the strategy (2010-13) and action plan (2012-14) on public administration reform has been a major challenge for Kosovo, delivering limited results. Supported by a serious political commitment, Kosovo needs to establish a realistic strategic framework for policy making, legislative planning and the practical implementation of reforms. Completing the legislative framework for the civil service, ensuring it is depoliticised and carrying out performance appraisals of the civil service are priorities. Regarding approximation to EU laws and standards, Kosovo institutions have demonstrated their capacity to deliver on the political priorities, such as the SAA negotiations, the visa liberalisation dialogue and the dialogue with Serbia. This was the result of strong political commitments. Delivery of results in other priority reform areas has been more uneven. As far as the Parliament is concerned, the 2014 Country Report emphasized that the Assembly continued to support Kosovo’s efforts on European integration and demonstrated political and institutional unity on some issues of key importance, such as the dialogue with Serbia, the EULEX mandate and reform efforts. The Assembly made progress on oversight of the executive and consultation with civil society. The report also stated that Assembly needs to build on the positive steps taken by the previous legislature. The Assembly and its committees still need to expand their cooperation with line ministries in the legislative and oversight process to improve the quality of legislation and ensure its implementation. Draft laws and amendments to legislation need better screening to ensure compliance with the acquis. The Assembly needs to further develop standards for public consultation. Further efforts by the Assembly and its committees are required to ensure control of the budget. The Assembly needs to improve the supervision of public companies, independent institutions and regulatory authorities. The new legislature needs to adopt new rules of procedure quickly. These rules need to be in line with EU best practice and be based on the recommendations of the EU-funded Twinning Light Project “Strengthening the functioning of Kosovo Assembly”. The function of the EU integration committee needs to be further enhanced to reflect its key role in Kosovo’s European integration process. The independence of the Assembly’s IT infrastructure still has not been ensured. Preparations of the annual budget need to reflect the need for budgetary independence of the Assembly. The Progress Report also stated that new legislation, including a Law on the Assembly, would be helpful in this regard. The Secretariat of the Assembly needs to continue to build its expertise on technical issues to support effective policy making and the capacity to improve scrutiny of draft legislation and its implementation. Overall, the Assembly continued to gradually develop its capacity further and improved its role in democratic governance. The new legislature provides a good opportunity to improve oversight of the executive and supervise the legislative process. It should also be a chance to clarify the Assembly’s role with regard to the supervision of independent institutions and regulatory authorities, to develop clear rules of procedure, and to improve monitoring of the budget.With regard to the Parliament, European Parliament resolution of 11 March 2015 on the European integration process of Kosovo also highlighted the need to strengthen the oversight role of the Assembly and particularly the Committee on European Integration in the Kosovo integration process; and urged the Assembly to adopt swiftly new rules of procedure that are in line with European best practice.The Kosovo AssemblyThe Constitution of Kosovo – entered into force and effect on 15 June 2008 – stipulates that the Assembly is the legislative institution of Kosovo, directly elected by the people. Among its main responsibilities, the Assembly adopts laws, resolutions and other general acts, oversees the work of the Government and other public institutions as well as foreign and security policies.The Assembly has one hundred twenty (120) deputies elected by secret ballot on the basis of open lists: 100 seats?for all the political subjects directly voted, 10 seats set aside for?the representatives of the Serb community, 10 seats set aside for?the representatives of other communities (4 seats?for the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, 3 seats?for the Bosniak community, 2 seats?for the Turkish community and 1 seat?for the Goran community).The Constitution stipulates that the Assembly shall be elected for a mandate of 4 years, starting from the day of the next constitutive session. The last parliamentary elections were held on 11 June 2017.According to the provisions of the Rules of Procedures it is the Presidency which is responsible for the work programme of the Assembly. Parliamentary groups consist of no less than 5 %, respectively 6 members of the Assembly. The Assembly performs its activities in plenary sessions and meetings of the standing and functional committees. At present there are 14 committees. Main committees: Committee on Budget and Finance, Committee on Rights, Interests of Communities and Returns, Committee on Legislation, Mandates, Immunities, Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and Oversight of Anti-Corruption Agency and Committee for European Integration. There are 10 functional committees: Committee on Foreign Affairs, Diaspora and Strategic Investments; Committee for Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth, Sports, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Committee for Economic Development, Infrastructure, Trade, Industry and Regional Development; Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Rural Development, Environment and Spatial Planning; Committee on Health, Labour and Social Welfare; Committee on Internal Affairs, Security and Oversight of the Kosovo Security Force; Committee on Human Rights, Gender Equality, Missing Persons and Petitions; Committee for the Oversight of Public Finances; Committee for the Oversight of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency.The Head of Assembly Administration is the Secretary General. The Administration consists of the Office of the Secretary General, the General Directorate on Legal and Procedural Affairs, the General Directorate for Administration, Directorate for Protocol and International Relations, Directorate for Media and PR, and Directorate of Procurement.ObjectivesOverall objectiveThe overall objective was to help the Kosovo Assembly to meet the democratic standards of functionality. Project purpose The Project’s purpose was to support the creation of the conditions of independent functioning of the Kosovo Assembly, to strengthen its oversight role in relation to both work of the Government and Independent Agencies; to strengthen the role of the Kosovo Assembly in EU-related issues; especially in the SAA process. Project’s compositionThe project was composed of 5 Components:Component 1, Improving the functioning of the legislation and enhancing the law approximation activitiesComponent 2, Implementing of the new legal framework of the Assembly related to the independent functioning in the areas of finances, human resources and infrastructureComponent 3, Strengthening the oversight functions of the AssemblyComponent 4, Strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other committees related to the supervision and support of the SAA processComponent 5, Strengthening the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration process Mandatory resultsResults to be achieved (as in Logframe)Result 1Improving the functioning of the legislation and enhancing the law approximation activitiesThe Law on the Assembly is properly implemented and allows for independent functioning of the Assembly.The functioning of the legislative process is improved.Legal approximation activities of the Assembly are upgraded.Staff is capable of applying the new rules in everyday functioning of the Assembly.The practice of legislative process and relevant internal procedures and regulations are brought in line with the provisions of the new legal framework.New manual on the legal approximation procedure for the Assembly is elaborated and practiced.More efficient legislative techniques are applied.CSO involvement in the legislative process is increased by the end of the project.Result 2Implementation of the new legal framework of the Assembly related to its independent functioning in the areas of finances, human resources and infrastructureThe Law on the Assembly is properly implemented and allows for independent functioning of the Assembly.Kosovo Assembly improves the management of finances, human resources and IT issues.Staff is capable of applying the new rules in everyday functioning of the Assembly.The practice of the management of finances, human resources and IT issues are brought in line with the provisions of the new legal framework.Result 3Strengthening the oversight functions of the AssemblyKosovo Assembly effectively and efficiently conducts oversight functions of Government and Independent Agencies.More effective oversight mechanisms vis-à-vis Government are introduced compared to the baseline.More effective oversight mechanisms related to supervisory and regulatory bodies are introduced compared to the baseline.Parliament is more familiar with European standards in oversight activitiesInvolvement and coordination of line Ministries and Independent AgenciesResult 4Strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and other Committees related to the supervision and support of the SAA processSAA process is properly supervised and supported by the Assembly through strengthening the relevant activities of the Committees, especially the Committee on European Integration.Members of the Committee on European Integration are familiar with the challenges of the SAA process and further steps in the European Integration mittees understand their role in the SAA process and they are more open to be involved in tasks related to the European integration process.Mechanisms are elaborated for the enhanced participation of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA processRecommendations are elaborated for more strategic parliamentary actions to raise the general awareness on the EU integration process and the role of the Assembly in it.Result 5Strengthening the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration processAdministration of the Assembly strategically and effectively supports the MPs through strengthened administrative structures responsible for European integration tasks and improved research activities.The adequate administrative set-up for effective support to the MPs in European integration tasks is elaborated.Staff is capable to strategically and effectively support MPs in issues related to European integration process.Research capabilities of the administrative staff are strengthened compared to baseline based on upgraded procedures and practices.As during the second half of 2016 and first half of 2017 it became evident that the procedure for the adoption of the draft Law on the Assembly stopped for various political reasons, resources originally allocated for activities directly linked to the draft Law had been reallocated based on the agreements among the MS and BC partners and the EUO. Based on the request of the BC, new activities – as the update of the strategy on international and inter-parliamentary cooperation and an activity to support the work of the SAPC – were introduced and other activities (e.g. on-the-job trainings in Component 1 or further consultations in Component 5) were extended with further expert missions. 2C – IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS Developments outside the projectEU – Kosovo relationsThe Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between the European Union and Kosovo entered into force on 1 April 2016. (The SAA was signed on 27 October 2015 and formally concluded on 12 February 2016.) The SAA establishes a contractual relationship that entails mutual rights and obligations and covers a wide variety of sectors. It supports the implementation of reforms and gives Kosovo an opportunity to move closer to Europe.The SAA focuses on respect for key democratic principles and core elements that are at the heart of the EU's single market. The SAA establishes an area that allows for free trade and the application of European standards in other areas such as competition, state aid and intellectual property. Other provisions cover political dialogue, cooperation in a wide variety of sectors ranging from education and employment to energy, the environment and justice and home affairs.The European Union - Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) held its first meeting in Pristina, on 16-17 May 2016, under the co-chairmanship of Mr Xhavit Haliti, Vice-President of the Kosovo Assembly and Mr Tonino Picula, Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation. In its Joint Declaration, the SAPC expressed satisfaction that it is the first common body constituted under the SAA, which paves the way for the integration of Kosovo into the EU in the framework of the accession process, in particular by enhancing a political dialogue and closer trade integration; the Committee called on both parties, and in particular on the Kosovo Government, to focus on implementing the comprehensive reforms necessary to meet obligations under the SAA. The Joint Declaration also called on all political actors, especially the parliamentary political parties, to resume political dialogue and constructive engagement, in order to overcome the problems related to the functioning of the Assembly and to allow for active participation of deputies from all parliamentary political parties. The SAPC underlined the need to strengthen the Assembly’s oversight role towards the Government, including the implementation of Assembly’s resolutions and decisions. SAPC meets twice a year.On 9 November 2016 the European Commission adopted its 2016 Enlargement Package which stated that enlargement policy continued to deliver results and reforms were moving forward in most countries, albeit at different speeds. A continued commitment to the principle of?fundamentals first?therefore remained essential: the Commission stated that it would continue to focus efforts on the rule of law, including security, fundamental rights, democratic institutions and public administration reform, as well as on economic development and competitiveness. A stronger role for civil society and stakeholders more broadly remains crucial.On 9 November 2016 the European Commission's 2016 Kosovo Report was published. The report highlighted key achievements and challenges to be tackled. It was emphasized that much work is needed to overcome significant shortcomings if Kosovo is to make progress on its European path.The Enlargement package and country reports reconfirmed the EU’s continued commitment to the principles of "fundamentals first" as essential to enlargement. These are: rule of law, including security, fundamental rights, democratic institutions and public administration reform, as well as economic development and competitiveness. Building on last year, the 2016 Enlargement strategy and the country reports continued with and expanded the strengthened reporting methodology. It offered greater comparability between the reports, allowing for an overall assessment where Enlargement countries stand on preparation for the challenges of EU membership vis a vis their neighbours. On 11 November 2016 a new high-level dialogue between Kosovo and the European Union began when the public launch of Kosovo’s?European Reform Agenda took place. The agenda?listed short term priorities meant to complement the SAA. The agenda’s three “key areas” are good governance and rule of law, competitiveness and investment climate, and employment and education. Each contains subsequent action items and timelines and lists the responsible institutions. European Commissioner Johannes Hahn said that the EU had already set out 165 million euros for the agenda’s initiatives.Monitoring of the implementation of the ERA is conducted every six months in collaboration with government, civil society, and the business community.On 25 November 2016 the Stabilisation and Association Council between the European Union and Kosovo held its first meeting. On the meeting signature of the framework agreement on Kosovo's participation in Union programmes was welcomed. The meeting discussed reform priorities in areas including rule of law and judicial reforms, respect for fundamental rights, public administration reform, and economic reforms. In December 2016 the European Commission adopted the 2016 Programme for Kosovo granting 70.5 million EUR to support Kosovo's European path. Under the Action Programme for Kosovo for the Year 2016, the following sectors were supported: democracy and governance, rule of law and fundamental rights, competitiveness and innovation, education, employment and social policies. The 70.5 million financial envelope included a direct budget support programme, contributing to the implementation of Kosovo's reform package: namely policy development and coordination and modernization of the public administration. This allocation was part of the 645 million euro EU financial contribution granted to Kosovo during the 2014-2020 period. On 12 July, the 2017 Western Balkans Summit took place in Trieste, Italy. High –level representatives of the Western Balkan countries together with their counterparts from several EU Member States and high-level EU representatives discussed key areas of regional cooperation, and set out concrete measures to better connect the region's infrastructures, economies and people. Leaders from the EU and six Western Balkans countries "all confirmed the perspective of the European Union integration of the Western Balkans" at the fourth Western Balkans Summit in the framework of the "Berlin Process". These countries are themselves "determined to have a future in our Union" and "once the right reforms are passed, we will be very consistent from our side" in delivering further integration, High Representative Federica Mogherini said in public remarks following the meeting.?On 6 November 2017, the Financial Agreement for IPA 2016 program, part one entered into force. Within this assistance, Kosovo will benefit EUR 45.5 million that will be used to finance projects in the human rights and fundamental freedoms, competitiveness and innovation, education, employment, social policies, and horizontal support in accomplishing the obligations deriving from the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. On 6 February 2018 The European Commission adopted a strategy for 'A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans', confirming the European future of the region as a geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe based on common values. It spells out the priorities and areas of?joint reinforced cooperation,?addressing the specific challenges the Western Balkans face, in particular the need for?fundamental reforms?and?good neighbourly relations.?A?credible enlargement perspective?requires sustained efforts and irreversible reforms.?Progress along the European path is an objective and merit-based process which depends on the concrete results achieved by each individual country.Together with the Strategy, the European Commission announced six flagship initiatives - specific actions that the EU will take over the next years to support the transformation efforts of the Western Balkans in areas of mutual interest. These flagship initiatives target specific areas of common interest: rule of law, security and migration, socio-economic development, transport and energy connectivity, digital agenda, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations. Concrete actions in these areas are foreseen between 2018 and 2020. The European Commission proposes to gradually increase funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) until 2020 in so far as reallocations within the existing envelope allow. In 2018 alone, €1.07 billion of pre-accession assistance for the Western Balkans is already foreseen, on top of almost €9 billion from the 2007-2017 period.The Strategy also emphasizes the need for the EU to be prepared to welcome new members once they have met the criteria.The Strategy underlines that all Western Balkan countries have the chance to move forward on their respective European paths. The Commission assesses all the countries in a fair and objective manner on the basis of their own merits and at the speed at which they achieve progress.?As far as Kosovo is concerned, the Strategy declares that the country has an opportunity for sustainable progress through implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and to advance on its European path once objective circumstances allow.On 28 February 2018 EU high-level delegation headed by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, High Representative Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn visited Kosovo as part of the series of the visits of this delegation to the Western Balkan countries which gave clear signals that enlargement policy continues to be a priority for the European Union. The delegation met President Hashim Thaci, Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli, and Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and discussed the new EC Strategy on?Western Balkans. EU high delegation also participated in a public event organized at the Town Hall of Prishtina with the participation of civil society organizations, students and journalists. During a joint press conference with President Hashim Thaci, President Juncker reiterated the main messages outlined in the new Commission Strategy on the Western Balkans. Mr Juncker underlined the importance of reforms in the fields of rule of law, functioning of the judicial system and fundamental rights; and emphasized that ratification of border demarcation with Montenegro and the fight against organized crime are key preconditions for visa liberalization.On 21 March the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro was ratified by the Kosovo Assembly. In a joint statement, High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris?Avramopoulos?and Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes?Hahn?welcomed the ratification as a real achievement very much in the spirit of good neighbourly relations as well as of the new Commission Strategy for the Western Balkans. The statement reiterated that the ratification is the fulfilment of one of the key criteria for Kosovo's visa liberalisation as well.Political contextOn 7 April 2016 the official inauguration ceremony of the new President Hashim Tha?i took place in the plenary hall of the Kosovo Assembly, while on 8 April a public inauguration event was held in the central square of Prishtina and in the presence of over 1000 guests from Kosovo and abroad. The inauguration ceremony of President Thaci was boycotted by opposition political parties.The outgoing President Atifete Jahjaga, who concluded her five year mandate, gave the new President Hashim Thaci the Constitution of the Republic, to mark in this manner "the symbol of honor of the Office of the President of Kosovo."The new president of Kosovo, Hashim Tha?i, vowed to defend the Constitution which he called "a symbol and a founding element of Kosovo's statehood."On 7 and 8 May 2016 the congress of the bigger coalition party PDK elected unanimously Kadri Veseli, President of the Kosovo Assembly as the President of the party for a 4-year term.During 2016 and first months of 2017, the continuous boycott of the Assembly proceedings by the opposition political parties and the non-presence of some of the MPs of the ruling coalition, not only effected the parliamentary debates, but also negatively influenced the functioning of the Assembly itself. Further to a motion of no confidence against the government, the Kosovo Assembly was dissolved on 10 May 2017. As a consequence, early parliamentary elections were held on 11 June.On 8 July, after the confirmations from Election Panel on Appeals and Complaints and by the Supreme Court that these institutions do not have any case to decide on, Central Election Commission certified the final results of Early Elections on Appeals and Complaints for Assembly of Republic of Kosovo.In her statement related to the elections, Ms Nataliya Apostolova, Head of EUO/EUSR reminded that Kosovo faces many challenges, from high unemployment and low performing education system, to corruption and weak rule of law, which remain an impediment to attracting sustainable investment to develop the economy. It is therefore crucial that the political leaders take these challenges seriously, form a strong government and embark upon the reforms that the people demand.Head of EUO/EUSR reiterated that through the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and related instruments, the EU provides a political, economic and legislative framework for reforms to take root. Through its IPA support, the EU provides generous financial assistance to support these efforts and enhance improvements throughout Kosovo.After long discussions among the poltical parties, on 7 September 2017, the continuation of the constitutive session of the new Kosovo Assembly was resultful and Kadri Veseli (Democratic Party of Kosovo) was approved as the new Speaker of the Assembly. On 9 September Ramush Haradinaj was elected as the new Prime Minister, nominated by the PDK-AAK-NISMA-AKR (PANA) coalition. Parliamentary committees were set up and started functioning in the course of October 2017.Project developmentsMethods of achievement of the mandatory results The Project was implemented in the following components: Component 0 had the objective on one hand to inform the stakeholders, media and the public about the purposes, method, working process and results of the twinning activities in order to give visibility to the ponent 1 was conceived to improve the functioning of the legislation and enhancing the European legal approximation activities. Activities of this Component focused on facilitating the performance of the duties of MPs and the Assembly administration as well as on the improvement of the skills of the staff in the field of codification and law approximation with the EU acquis. The Beneficiary received continuous professional support in a cross-cutting way from the point of view of more efficient legislative and EU legal approximation activities and issues related to the autonomous functioning of the ponent 2 activities focused on facilitating the activity of the Assembly administration in the fields of finances, human resources and infrastructure. It is evident that a more autonomous functioning of the Assembly requires the modification of the tasks and working methods of the Assembly administration in the field of the budgetary and financial management, the management of human resources and the IT infrastructure. Therefore activities of this Component focused on 1. the budgetary planning procedure and public procurement practices; 2. the management of human resources; and 3. the IT independence process and further development of the e-parliament ponent 3 activities focused on the strengthening of the oversight function of the Assembly at the level of plenary session and committees to achieve a structured and regular monitoring mechanism. As a cross-cutting issue, it was also examined how the civil society could be involved in the oversight activities. The recommendations of this Component were elaborated based on the best practices of EU Member States, with particular attention on the experiences of the new Member States in the parliamentary oversight of the accession process. Component 4 supported the Assembly in strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other committees related to the supervision and support of the SAA process. The committees need efficient mechanisms and methods for fulfilling properly theirs tasks related to policy making, EU legal approximation and oversight of the Government and other relevant stakeholders, including the cooperation and coordination among the players in the SAA process. Special attention was paid to the assistance to everyday professional activities of the staff members supporting the work of the Committee on European Integration. Component 4 also concentrated on enhancing the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the EU integration process through the involvement of the civil society, as it is a key issue in the success of the SAA ponent 5 aimed to strengthen the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration process. Without trained, motivated and well-structured administrative background, MPs cannot perform their EU-related duties successfully. The purpose of Component 5 was to have on one hand capable and well organized administrative structures specialized in European integration, and on the other hand thoroughly planned activities to be implemented as these are both inevitable preconditions for a smooth parliamentary integration process. Since MPs have to rely on independent analysis in performing their tasks especially related to the European integration process as well as to the legislative and oversight capacities, Component 5 also focused on the improvement and enhancement of research activity as a key background support instrument for MPs. Strategic guidance of MPs can be ensured through strengthened administrative structures responsible for European integration matters and improved research activities.The overall objectives and purposes of constituting components in the Twinning Project were met. The work concluded in all the Components led to the achievement of mandatory results set out in the Twinning Contract.MethodologyThe current Twinning Project built on the results of former twinning projects implemented also by the Hungarian National Assembly: Twinning Project “Support to Kosovo Assembly” (2011-2013) which had covered wide variety of fields to enhance the legislative and administrative capacities of the Assembly and to strengthen its role in the EU integration process; and Twinning Light Project “Strengthening the functioning of Kosovo Assembly” (2014) which had elaborated a new legal framework for the independent functioning of the Assembly.Each component of the current Twinning Project was further divided into sub-components focusing on concrete professional fields of parliamentary activities.The implementation followed a similar methodology in each Sub-Component: The current project was implemented in five components with similar methodology: first the Twinning Team analysed and assessed the current situation, then implemented a tailor made training programme. Based on the assessment and training results, guidelines and recommendations were elaborated to introduce new or modified structures, procedures and methods in order to establish and strengthen European standards in the operation of the Assembly. Guidelines and recommendations were always discussed with relevant political and administrative stakeholders of the BC in the form of roundtables and interviews.At the end of each activity, a report was written by the twinning experts to explain and compose the results of the given stage of the process. Complete sets of recommendations or final guidelines for improvement in 12 fields were elaborated and presented.All recommendations were synthesized in a comprehensive Action Plan, indicating also clear deadlines and bodies responsible for implementation. This document aims also to serve as a guiding tool for future donor assistance activities.Practical manuals were elaborated to assist the Assembly administration in carrying out their tasks related to European legal approximation and codification.A draft Strategy for international and inter-parliamentary cooperation was prepared.More than 40 trainings, on-the-job trainings, workshops and coaching type activities were conducted and relevant training manuals were elaborated. The training manuals are meant to fulfil the purpose of a long-term learning tool on the subject matter both for those who took part at the seminars and workshops and also for those who could not attend the training sessions in person.Various publications were issued.All materials were translated into the official languages and distributed to the BC partners via hard copies and electronic means. Besides trainings in the Kosovo Assembly, the Twinning Project also offered opportunities for staff members to have insights into the functioning of several EU Member State national parliaments (Polish Sejm, The UK House of Lords and House of Commons, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Hungarian National Assembly) and the European institutions in Brussels by organizing study visits and internship programmes. Milestones of the project implementationKick Off Event of the Twinning ProjectThe official opening ceremony of the twinning project took place on 12 April 2016 at the Kosovo Assembly with the participation of Mr. Xhavit Haliti, Deputy Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly, Mr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly and Mr. Thomas Gnocchi, Head of Political, Economic and European Integration Section of the EU Office in Kosovo. The event was attended by the members of Presidency and MPs representing all parties of the Kosovo Assembly, the Secretary General of the Assembly, the MS Project Leader and the Component Leaders from both sides as well as representatives of EU Office in Kosovo and international donor organisations. The ambassadors of EU member countries were also invited. The official opening was followed by the interest of the representatives of the national media which resulted in an intensive media coverage about the project.By welcoming the Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, Mr. Jakab and his delegation to Kosovo, Mr. Haliti emphasized the excellent relations between the two countries and their respective parliaments, expressing the highest appreciation for the two previous twinning projects in support of the Kosovo Assembly. Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, István Jakab assured his Kosovar counterpart that Hungary is a firm supporter of Kosovo in the European integration process. He emphasized the importance of implementation of the SAA for Kosovo and its economy. Mr Thomas Gnocchi underlined that with the SAA, the Assembly will have an enhanced two folded role: in one way vis-à-vis the European Parliament the Kosovo Assembly will have its say when assessing the progress made with regard to the SAA, and secondly towards Kosovo institutions, primarily in overseeing and guiding the Government for implementation of the obligations deriving from the SAA. Mr Gnocchi invited all ruling and opposition parties to engage with the twinning project in making Kosovo Assembly stronger.Mid-Term EvaluationIn March 2017, on the initiative of the Cabinet of the Speaker, a joint meeting was organized with the participation of the Members of the Presidency and Chairpersons of Committees of the Kosovo Assembly where the Twinning Team had the opportunity to present the results of the first year of the project and to inform political stakeholders about the forthcoming events. The Twinning Team also took note of requests raised by the Committee Chairpersons during the meeting. Most of these requests were related to specific laws in which the Committee Chairpersons asked for support especially concerning the relevant EU best practices and questions related to codification and law approximation issues. These fields could be covered to a large extent by the Medium Term Expert of the project therefore in these cases no reallocation was necessary. Direct contacts were established between the Twinning Team and the Committees, and twinning experts regularly received invitations to committee meetings.A Mid-Term Summary of the Twinning Project was published in 3 languages and distributed to stakeholders within and outside the Kosovo AssemblyOfficial Closing EventOn 21 February 2018 the official closing event of the Twinning Project took place in the premises of the Kosovo Assembly. The Activity had the objective to provide information to the stakeholders, media and the general public about the results of the twinning project. High-level political authorities from BC and MS partners and the EU Office, MS and BC Project Leaders, RTA, RTA Counterpart, all Component Leaders, colleagues from the Kosovo Assembly and donors supporting the Kosovo Assembly participated in the ceremony.The ceremony was opened by the Secretary General of the Assembly and BC Project Leader, Mr Ismet Krasniqi, who shortly presented the project and its very positive effect on the capacity building of the Assembly.President of the Kosovo Assembly, Kadri Veseli said that the day of the closing event was a special one to the Assembly, as, after a two-year intensive work, the project was successfully concluded. Through this project, the Kosovo Assembly has taken a significant step in the field of institutional and legal reforms and in the successful European integration process of Kosovo. The President of the Assembly thanked the European Union for supporting the project and also the Hungarian National Assembly for its implementation. The President emphasized that all the areas in which this project provided support are of decisive importance for the advancement in the EU integration process. The President underlined that the Republic of Kosovo remains fully committed to fulfilling the vision of its citizens to be part of the European Union.The Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, Mr Istvan Jakab emphasized that Hungary is an important supporter of Kosovo on its way to the European Union and already the third twinning project was concluded by the Hungarian Parliament which brought outstanding results in the Kosovo Assembly. Mr Jakab mentioned that upon the request of the Hungarian National Assembly, ten EU Member State national parliaments and the European Parliament also joined the project, therefore a uniquely complex project team consisting of outstanding parliamentary experts with real parliamentary know-how was provided for the Kosovo Assembly. Mr Jakab emphasized that the project recommendations were summarized in an Action Plan which establishes a prioritization of tasks and a differentiation between issues of political or administrative nature. Mr Jakab suggested that the Presidency of the Kosovo Assembly should endorse the Action Plan to ensure its proper implementation.Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Ms Nataliya Apostolova, said that the European Union's strategy, published in February 2018, highlights the priorities that the aspiration of integration and necessary reforms must pass.?In this regard, the main burden would fall to the Assembly, which should build consensus among the political parties. Ms Apostolova emphasized that the Twinning Project has come up with concrete recommendations on how the Assembly can increase its capacity to meet the criteria for EU membership. Head of EUO/EUSR underlined that the EUO will continue to support the Kosovo Assembly and will monitor the implementation of project recommendations.Public conference on project resultsIn addition to the official closing event, on the initiative of the EUO a public conference on project results was also organized on 21 March 2018 with the objective to present the project recommendations in detail to stakeholders of the Kosovo Assembly and also to its external partners, including civil society organizations and donors supporting the work of the Assembly. Recommendations of the project components were presented by key twinning experts, followed by Q&A sessions on each topic. The conference provided a great forum for a detailed and substantial discussion on the project results, their proper implementation and follow-up among key twinning experts and relevant BC and external stakeholders. Ongoing projects of other donor organizationsBesides the twinning project, Kosovo Assembly was also supported by various donors during this period: Activities of NDI (National Democratic Institute) focus on the Office of the Speaker; monitoring of the implementation of the Rules of Procedures and the Code of Ethics; establishment of the Budget Analysis Unit; increasing transparency. NDI has also actively participated in the elaboration of a new draft Rules of Procedure. NDI, with the financial support of USAID, assisted the Assembly in the elaboration and launching of the Legislative Tracking System on the website of the Kosovo Assembly.GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) runs a project to improve parliamentary control of public finances and transparency of the public finance system, focusing on the Committee on Budget and Finance and the Committee for the Oversight of Public Finances. GIZ also supported the setting up of SAPC in 2016. During April and May 2017 the GIZ carried out further activities with the aim to support the work of both the SAPC and the Committee on European Integration as well, which also continued in January 2018.OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Mission in Kosovo has provided support to the Presidency of the Assembly and parliamentary committees in the fields of human rights, transparency, cooperation with civil society organizations and oversight.UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) has supported the elaboration of the Strategic Plan of the Assembly for the period 2016-2020. It has also provided help to parliamentary committees in monitoring the implementation of laws especially in the fields of social development, women’s rights and issues concerning the youth.Joint meetings organized by the Kosovo Assembly with the participation of various donors occurred randomly. Therefore the Twinning Team created its own contacts with other donors to establish mutual information channels striving to maximize the efficiency of donor assistance and to avoid unnecessary repetitions and overlaps. Summary table on project implementationNumber of implementedactivitiesQ1 (March – May 2016)Q2(June – August 2016)Q3 (Sept – Nov 2016)Q4 (Dec 2016 – Feb 2017)Q5 (March – May 2017)Q6 (June – August 2017)Q7 (Sept– Nov 2017)Q8 (Dec 2017 – March 2018)TOTALCOMPONENT 0200000024COMPONENT 10171221317COMPONENT 23111403013COMPONENT 3212101119COMPONENT 41154626328COMPONENT 50252332421TOTAL8620 =SUM(ABOVE) 9158131392?Number of Side letters2031333116?Number of Addenda000000011Project visibility Two public media events were organized in the framework of the project, the Kick-off Meeting and the final Closing Event. Both on the Kick-off and the Closing Events Members of Parliament, EU diplomatic corps and media representatives participated in high number showing the high political interest towards the project on behalf of the MS, BC and EUO. General information and summaries on the Twinning Project were available on the website of the Kosovo Assembly, under the title IPA Twinning Project. About the most important events of the Project news items were published with photo documentation.All reports, recommendations, training manuals and other training materials were translated into both Albanian and Serbian and distributed to the beneficiary partners via electronic means and hard copies continuously, during the whole implementation period of the project.During the implementation period, several information documents were elaborated, published and distributed by the Project in three languages (English, Albanian, Serbian), such as:Introductory leaflet on the ProjectMid-term summary of the implementation of the Twinning ProjectConcluding information leaflet on the Twinning ProjectFact Sheet on Project Achievements Brochure, poster and presentation on the role of the Kosovo Assembly and its Committee on European Integration in the SAA processConcluding recommendations on improving the legislation and enhancing the European legal approximationConcluding recommendations on financial and budgetary, human resources and IT system management Concluding recommendations on strengthening the oversight functions of the AssemblyConcluding recommendations on strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other committees related to the supervision and support of the SAA processConcluding recommendations on strengthening the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration processAll the concluding information materials were distributed in hard copies in March 2018 to each Member of Parliament, the Secretary General, the RTA Counterpart, component coordinators, all staff members who had participated in project activities, the EU Office, other donor organisations and relevant civil society organizations.Several other visibility materials (roll-up banners, folders, notebooks, business cards, bags and pens) were prepared and used in the course of the project implementation.2D – ACHIEVEMENTS OF MANDATORY RESULTSThe Project provided all deliveries needed for the achievement of the mandatory results. All the necessary recommendations were elaborated and all the necessary training activities were delivered.As during the second half of 2016 and first half of 2017 it became evident that the procedure for the adoption of the draft Law on the Assembly stopped for various political reasons, resources originally allocated for activities directly linked to the draft Law had been reallocated based on the agreements among the MS and BC partners and the EUO. Therefore, in line with the request of the BC, new activities – as the update of the strategy on international and inter-parliamentary cooperation and an activity to support the work of the SAPC – were introduced and other activities (e.g. on-the-job trainings in Component 1 or further consultations in Component 5) were extended with further expert missions. In other cases, the content of some activities was tailored and adapted to the current needs of the Kosovo Assembly. In line with the twinning approach, the Beneficiary partners (Secretary General as BC Project Leader and BC Component Leaders – Directors and Senior Officials of the Administration) were continuously consulted during all activities. All reports (assessment, training, guidelines and recommendation reports) were submitted to the Secretary General and BC Component Leaders for comments and remarks, and finalized based on their feedback. All documents were formally and unanimously voted by the BC on the Steering Committee Meetings at the end of each quarter. For each Component and mandatory result, the Twinning Project has undertaken the necessary analysis and assessment of the current situation in the Kosovo Assembly and provided its recommendations for achieving the stated mandatory results together with the necessary tools and knowledge for their implementation.Some of the recommendations can be implemented in the short run, while others require longer period of time with important budgetary and human resources consequences. That is why the recommendations of the Project were summarized in an action plan, defining the concrete implementation deadlines and implementing actors to fully put the mandatory results in practice. The main achievement of the Twinning Project is the Action Plan which intends to serve as a roadmap to guide and enhance the activities of the Kosovo Assembly in the SAA process. It contains 224 concrete actions for the Kosovo Assembly, defining for each action (recommendation) the format, the responsible body, the deadline for implementation and reference to possible budgetary consequences (where relevant). The Action Plan is a summary of all project recommendations,?establishing a prioritization of tasks and a differentiation between issues of political or administrative nature.?The Action Plan was elaborated based on the previously approved recommendations,?in three parts (starting from September 2018) also in continuous consultation with the BC partners. Each part was submitted electronically to the BC partners for feedback and the complete version of the Action Plan was finalized on the basis of their remarks and comments after oral discussions in each action wherever it was necessary. Thanks to this thorough procedure the final version of the Action Plan fully enjoys the agreement of the BC Administration. For the full implementation of the Action Plan, however, support from political level is also needed. Therefore it is proposed that the Presidency of the Assembly should endorse the Action Plan and regular follow-up procedure is required for the monitoring of its implementation by the Presidency and also by the EU Office.The Action Plan not only facilitates the implementation of project recommendations but could also serve as a tool for the Kosovo Assembly and donor organizations to identify key areas where further assistance may be needed, thus fostering an effective and actual donor coordination.In order to facilitate the transfer of the Twinning Project’s findings and recommendations and the commitments what the Kosovo Assembly took, they were translated into local languages and presented and distributed to the Members of Parliaments and parliamentary administration right before the end of the Project. Thus, the Assembly is aware of all the important tasks ahead and the Project’s proposed solutions for these challenges.Below is presented an overview on the Components’ activities leading to the achievement of the mandatory results, and a brief explanation on them.Thoroughly detailed findings and recommendations are presented in the Concluding Recommendations of each Component which form part of the project documentation. They provide specific concluding findings and recommendations on all the results, the gained knowledge and the precise changes to be introduced in the organization, tasks, responsibilities and functioning of the BC institution in the respective PONENT 0PROJECT KICK-OFF AND CLOSING EVENTS AND EVALUATION CONFERENCESIn the frame of this Component the following activities took place:No.DateYearActivity0.12 – 4 March2016Introductory coordination meetings and roundtables of MS and BC teams0.211 – 14 April2016Kick-off event0.319 – 21 February2018Closing Event0.419 - 22 March2018Public Conference on project resultsThe objective of this Component was on one hand to inform the stakeholders, media and the public about the objective, method, working process and results of the twinning activities in order to give visibility to the project. On the other hand it provided important impetus to the achievement of the project results by discussing the developments with the political and administrative leadership of the Kosovo Assembly, representatives of the government, other donor organizations supporting the Assembly and civil society organizations, this way also promoting and facilitating the implementation of project PONENT 1Improving the functioning of the legislation and enhancing the law approximation activitiesIn the frame of this Component the following activities took place:No.DateYearActivity1.1Assisting the implementation of the new legal framework of the Assembly related to the legislative processCoaching to the introduction and application of the new Law on the Assembly, the related modification of the Rules of Procedure and other relevant legal issues – due to the fact that the law and related regulations had not been adopted, a new Activity (Activity 1.1.6) was introduced20-23 June, 13-16 September2016Workshops on practical aspects of law drafting (2 parts)17-21 October24 – 28 April20162017On-the-job training on codification and legal analysis (practical exercises of codification tasks) (2 parts)24-28 October2016Guidelines and workshop to improve the involvement of the civil society in the legislation with special regard to the EU matters22 – 26 January2018Roundtable discussions and recommendations on further improving the legislative process27 November – 1 December2017On-the-job training for Committee staff on preparation of legal opinions (new Activity based on the request of the BC)1.2Enhancing the EU legal approximation activities of the Assembly19 – 23 September, 4 – 7 October2016Drafting a manual on the legal approximation procedure for the Assembly21-25 November 27 February – 03 March29 May – 2 June13-17 November29 January – 2 February20162017201720172018On-the-job training and coaching to legal approximation (practical exercises of approximation tasks) (5 parts)11 – 14 October1 – 4 November 23 – 26 January10 – 13 July2016201620172017Practical workshops on the transposition of the EU acquis (4 parts)1.3Activities of the Medium-Term Expert (MTE) for legislative and legal approximation support in Component 1Continuously, throughout the whole implementation period of the projectMandatory Result 1 - Improving the functioning of the legislation and enhancing the law approximation activitiesThe Law on the Assembly is properly implemented and allows for independent functioning of the Assembly.The functioning of the legislative process is improved.Legal approximation activities of the Assembly are upgraded.Staff is capable of applying the new rules in everyday functioning of the AssemblyThe practice of legislative process and relevant internal procedures and regulations are brought in line with the provisions of the new legal frameworkNew manual on the legal approximation procedure for the Assembly is elaborated and practiced.As it was highlighted earlier, during the project implementation period it turned out that for various political reasons the Law on the Assembly and the connecting modifications of the Rules of Procedures were not going to be adopted. Therefore, in agreement among the BC and MS partners and the EU Office, activities closely related to the adoption of the new legal framework had been reoriented, based on the requests of the BC to best serve the needs of the Kosovo ponent 1 aimed to improve the functioning of the legislation and enhancing the European legal approximation activities. Activities of this Component focused on facilitating the performance of the duties of MPs and the Assembly administration as well as on the improvement of the skills of the staff in the field of codification and law approximation with the EU acquis. The Beneficiary received continuous professional support in a cross-cutting way from the point of view of more efficient legislative and EU legal approximation activities and issues related to the autonomous functioning of the Assembly.Legislation is getting more and more complex, new legal regulations and amending rules create multiple layers and rapid changes in the legislation. Improving the legislative procedure and strengthening the administrative capacities result in better law-making as part of the rule of law and in good governance taking into account the guiding principles of the quality of legislation and the best practices of legislation in EU Member States and at EU level.The recommendations of this Component are formulated on the basis of roundtable discussions, and on the experiences gained by the Twinning experts in the course of continuous on-the-job trainings, workshops and coaching type activities on codification and legal analysis and on European legal approximation organised during the implementation period of the current Twinning Project. They also take into consideration as a reference the relevant documents prepared in the framework of the previous Twinning Projects supporting the Kosovo Assembly, implemented also by the Hungarian National Assembly (Twinning Project “Support to Kosovo Assembly” implemented in 2011-2013 and Twinning Light Project “Strengthening the functioning of Kosovo Assembly” implemented in 2014).In order to improve the legislative procedure the modification of provisions in Chapter XIII of Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo are suggested (detailed and finalized recommendations can be found in activity report 1.1.5). The proposals intend to enhance the quality of legislation and are justified by the quantity and intensity of the current legislative obligation on the Assembly. They cover all stages of the legislative procedure.Special emphasis has to be put on allocating necessary timeframe for the procedural steps and the adequate preparation of the committee meetings and the readings. The legislative procedure after the first and prior to the second reading should be streamlined with special regard to the more precise definition of the subsequent stages of the procedure including the reporting obligations of committees in detail. As far as the amendments are concerned, it is indispensable to formulate them adequately, clearly showing the proposed changes in the text as well as to provide reasoning. The separation of the voting on amendments and the final vote on the entire draft law into two consecutive plenary sessions would leave sufficient time for the deliberation of the effect of adopted amendments on the full content of the draft law.In parallel with the improvement of the legislative procedure the capacities of the Assembly administration have to be strengthened to ensure high quality support to legislation. For this purpose, the Directorate for Legal Standardization, Approximation and Harmonization is suggested to be restructured and staffed significantly with lawyers specialised in different legislative areas and fields of EU aquis. Within this directorate a new organisational unit responsible for general legal issues and codification should be established to support the legislative work through the entire length of the legislative procedure. A separate organisational unit should be responsible exclusively for the approximation of national law with the EU acquis along the entire legislative procedure within the same directorate. These changes require the redefinition of tasks and involvement of the reorganised Directorate for Legal Standardization, Approximation and Harmonization and the Directorate for Support of Parliamentary Committees in different phases of the legislative procedure. Furthermore, the precise division of duties among the staff members of both directorates is of utmost importance. The prerequisite of increasing the quality of legislation at the parliamentary phase is the significant development of the quality of draft laws submitted by the Government. The Assembly should be provided with more well-founded background documents for deliberation of the draft laws, a comprehensive explanatory memorandum and – in regard to the European legal approximation – detailed information on the obligations stemming from the SAA and the table of concordance.In order to increase the transparency of the legislation and the efficiency of the legislative activity the draft law, the amendments and the documents supporting the legislative procedure should be accessible through the e-parliament and the legislative tracking system.In this Component, Manual on legal analysis and on preparation of documents supporting the legislative procedure and Manual on European legal approximation and on preparation of documents supporting the legislative procedure were elaborated. Both manuals describe in detail a step by step legal analysis of draft laws and the amendments, as well as the method of European legal approximation at each stage of the legislative procedure. They also focus on how to present the results of legal analyses and of the examination of EU law transposition in different documents supporting the legislative procedure. These manuals can be used by all relevant staff members of the Assembly Administration as a guiding tool in their everyday professional activity. The manuals aim at increasing the quality of legislation through conducting thorough analysis and elaborating adequate support materials prior to the committee meetings and readings at the plenary PONENT 2Implementation of the new legal framework of the Assembly related to its independent functioning in the areas of finances, human resources and infrastructureIn the frame of this Component the following activities took place:No.DateYearActivity2.1Assisting the budget planning procedure, the implementation of the budget and related financial procedures10-13 May18 – 21 April20162017Coaching to the budget planning procedure and the introduction and application of the new legal framework of the Assembly (2 parts)20-23 November2017Guidelines to develop the practice of public procurement23 – 26 May2017Recommendations on further developing the budgetary and financial procedure25-28 September2017Dissemination workshop and guidelines on budgetary decentralization (new Activity based on the request of the BC)2.2Assisting the functioning of the HR management of the Administration13-16 June2016Coaching to the introduction and application of the new legal framework related to HR management30 October – 2 November 20-23 November2017Recommendations to adapt internal regulations on the organization and responsibilities and other relevant rules of the Administration to strengthen its independent functioning2.3Assisting the IT independence process and the development of the e-Parliament system4-8 April, 26 – 30 September2016Coaching to the implementation of the IT Action Plan for independent functioning23-26 May2016Guidelines for developing parliamentary audio-video system28 November – 2 December2016Guidelines for developing e-parliament system13 – 15 March2017Training on e -parliament system (new Activity, based on the request of the BC)2.48 – 12 May2017Study visit to the UK Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly on the independent functioning of the parliament2.5Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 2 for implementing the new legal framework of the Assembly related to its independent functioning in the areas of finances, human resources and infrastructureContinuously, throughout the whole implementation period of the projectMandatory Result 2 - Implementation of the new legal framework of the Assembly related to its independent functioning in the areas of finances, human resources and infrastructureThe Law on the Assembly is properly implemented and allows for independent functioning of the Assembly.Kosovo Assembly improves the management of finances, human resources and IT issuesStaff is capable of applying the new rules in everyday functioning of the Assembly.The practice of the management of finances, human resources and IT issues are brought in line with the provisions of the new legal framework.As it was highlighted earlier, during the project implementation period it turned out that for various political reasons the Law on the Assembly, the connecting modifications of the Rules of Procedures and related internal regulations were not going to be adopted. Therefore, in agreement among the BC and MS partners and the EU Office, activities closely related to the adoption of the new legal framework had been reoriented, based on the requests and needs of the ponent 2 activities focused on facilitating the activity of the Assembly administration in the fields of finances, human resources and infrastructure. It is evident that a more autonomous functioning of the Assembly requires the modification of the tasks and working methods of the Assembly administration in the field of the budgetary and financial management, the management of human resources and the IT infrastructure. Therefore activities of this Component focused on 1. the budgetary planning procedure and public procurement practices; 2. the management of human resources; and 3. the IT independence process and further development of the e-parliament system.The financial and budgetary, the human resources and the IT system management are the most important aspects of the functioning of budgetary institutions. In all these fields the relevant documents prepared in the framework of the previous Twinning Projects supporting the Kosovo Assembly (Twinning Project “Support to Kosovo Assembly” implemented in 2011-2013 and Twinning Light Project “Strengthening the functioning of Kosovo Assembly” implemented in 2014) were taken into consideration as a reference.In the field of financial and budgetary management the activities focused on the budget decentralization as an instrument of good public management which would increase efficiency and effectiveness through delegation of responsibility in the management of the Assembly. The present legal circumstances allow for and welcome budget decentralization. It is a good public practice to develop budgets to a point near to where planning decisions are prepared and near to where daily/frequent decisions related to its execution are taken. The nature of decentralization of the budget of any institution is to divide it into parts which each link closely to a well-defined set of activities. Decentralization is a delegation where responsibilities linked to the execution of the said budget parts (parts of line items) are delegated to a designated budget holder. The budget holder leads the budget planning process and carries the responsibility for the effective and efficient management of budgetary means. All budget holders are still accountable to the head of institution (chief administrative officer). The head of institution remains overall responsible for the institutions budget and its execution.Decentralization could be based on an internal, virtual structure, where defined parts of the Assembly budget for certain economic categories or even specific line items are delegated to the selected budget holder(s) while the rest of the budget would remain central. The delegation should be brought into effect from the beginning of a coming fiscal year. The services of internal audit, Certifying Officer and Directorate for Procurement would remain common services. Based on the experiences gained from a first phase of decentralization, the Assembly Administration should later evaluate and consider the benefit of further decentralization.As far as public procurement management is concerned recommendations were elaborated in relation to its three main stages, namely planning, procurement procedure and contract management recommendations were elaborated to enhance the current practices.Analysis of training needs of the Assembly Administration was based on a thorough survey conducted with the participation of staff members and managers of the institution. An extensive individual questionnaire was sent to staff members to gain insight on their experiences and needs, and answered almost by half of them. An institutional questionnaire was prepared requesting general information and a further questionnaire was sent to directors asking for information on the systematic training needs of their respective organizational units. In addition, interviews were organised as a seconder source of information focusing on current circumstances and internal procedures in place. The priority fields identified have to be complemented with those concrete actions which were defined by the Twinning Project in relation to different duties of the Assembly administration.Within the administration, management of training activities is – according to the legal rules in force – dealt with by the Directorate for Personnel that belong to the General Directorate of Administration. Within the Directorate for Personnel, there is a Unit for Training and Development of Human Resources. The Directorate for Budget and Payment is responsible for administrative management of the budget allocated to training activities. The Senior Officer for Donor Coordination and Relations with the Civil Society also has a role, since she is acting as liaison with relevant donors. As for the practice, processes concerning the organization and execution of training activities and especially the decision-making have to be streamlined and effective processes should be introduced to ensure balanced and objective human capacities development for the whole administration. Coordination of the provided support by the different donors should be ensured and duplication of trainings should be avoided.The annual training strategy of the Assembly is prepared on the basis of individual evaluations of the colleagues, taking place at the end of each year. This training strategy should ideally be based on a multiannual strategic plan, but following the previous strategic plan for 2013-2016 no new strategy plan was prepared for the upcoming period. It leaves room for less structured and more ad hoc management of training activities. This fact also has negative effect on the long term training strategy since there are no overall objectives defined concerning the desired developments of the human capacities of the Assembly administration. The suggested methodological guidance should be applied in the course of preparation of both documents.The Action Plan for the development of information technology system of the Assembly was elaborated within the framework of Twinning Light Project “Strengthening the functioning of the Kosovo Assembly” implemented in 2014. It describes the most important requirements of the IT development and specifies the necessary measures for its realization in four main directions. In the course of the current Twinning Project the IT Action Plan was updated based on the evaluation of its implementation.The development of e-parliament was finished and the application was installed. It works even if there are some difficulties and problems with its everyday usage. In order to evaluate full capacity of the system, it would be important that all organizational units start to input descriptive data and documents into the system.In order to make e-parliament system functional and to use its capacities in wide extent there is a need for awareness-raising, allocation of tasks and responsibilities, coordination and process control of e-parliament system, trainings, monitoring, support and maintenance. In addition, some necessary improvements should be ensured in urgency for appropriate functioning of the system. The automated connection between the content of e-parliament and internet website should be developed.In connection with the development of parliamentary audio-visual system, building digital archive of the plenary session broadcast and broadcasting committee meetings were specified and dealt with in PONENT 3Strengthening the oversight functions of the AssemblyIn the frame of this Component the following activities took place:No.DateYearActivity3.1Strengthening the parliamentary oversight of Government activities3.1.118-22 April2016Assessment of the current parliamentary oversight of Government activities3.1.225-27 May2016Training on EU best practices in oversight activities of the plenary3.1.329 June – 1 JulyTraining on EU best practices in oversight activities of the committees3.1.426 – 30 SeptemberGuidelines to improve the parliamentary oversight of Government activities3.1.521 – 25 November201Roundtable discussions on the guidelines and recommendations to improve the parliamentary oversight of Government activities3.2Developing the mechanism for efficient monitoring of the Independent Agencies3.2.1(2 parts)16 – 20 January30 January – 3 February2017Assessment of the current monitoring of the Independent Agencies3.2.214 – 16 June2017Training on the EU best practices in monitoring of Independent Agencies3.2.311-15 September2017Guidelines to develop the mechanisms for efficient monitoring of the Independent Agencies and their reporting practices3.2.415 – 19 January2018Roundtable discussions on the guidelines and recommendations to develop a manual on efficient monitoring of the Independent Agencies and their reporting practices3.3Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 3 for strengthening the oversight functions of the AssemblyContinuously, throughout the whole implementation period of the projectMandatory Result 3 - Strengthening the oversight functions of the AssemblyKosovo Assembly effectively and efficiently conducts oversight functions of Government and Independent AgenciesMore effective oversight mechanisms vis-à-vis Governments are introduced compared to baselineMore effective oversight mechanisms related to supervisory and regulatory bodies are introduced compared to baseline.Parliament is more familiar with European standards in oversight activities.Beyond the legislation one of the most important duties and responsibilities of the parliaments is the oversight function over the activities of the institutions of executive branch and the independent agencies which report directly to the parliaments. This component of the Twinning Project focused on strengthening of the oversight function of the Assembly at the level of plenary session and committees to achieve a structured and regular monitoring mechanism. Comprehensive recommendations were formulated how to perform efficient oversight over all activities of Government and independent agencies.It is only through oversight, i.e. scrutinizing the government’s operation and holding the executive branch accountable for its actions and decisions that the parliament can ensure a proper balance of power. Raising awareness of the available tools and the importance of monitoring the government are indispensable for more effective parliamentary scrutiny.Apart from the Constitution, the legal framework of oversight activities is also laid down in the Rules of Procedure (RoP) and in various laws. In parliamentary democracies, the most commonly used oversight tools are oral and written questions from members of parliament, interpellations, hearings in the plenary session and in committees, establishment of inquiry committees, etc. Apart from the proper legal and procedural background that defines tools and mechanisms of oversight, it is indispensable that a culture of oversight develops. The third essential condition of an effective oversight is the availability of information.The RoP regulates questions for oral and written answer as well as interpellation. During the interviews conducted by the twinning experts Members of Parliament (hereinafter: MPs), staff and civil society organisations all referred to the poor attendance of ministers at the question period. Even, when ministers provide oral answers, the answers are often ill informed and not substantive. Additionally, both MPs and ministers break their allocated speaking time limits. Written questions are very rarely submitted, as answers are unlikely to be timely, informative or substantive. The experiences show that interpellations are not often tabled. They rarely lead to high quality ministerial responses, for these reasons they are not considered an effective tool.In order to strengthen the oversight of the Assembly further, detailed provisions should be introduced in the RoP. Consequent application of rules in force is also of utmost importance. The timing of oral questions has to be specified, as well as the proportional time allocation for questions and answers. The frequency of the interpellation sessions should be held at least once in each sessional month of the Assembly, the time frame of the debate should be streamlined. Furthermore, the substitution of any minister by his/her deputy at the plenary session should be considered. At the end of the question time at each plenary session the number of written questions submitted after the last session and the number of unanswered ones within the given deadline should be announced. The provision of the RoP on issuing a press release after the question is failed to be answered for the second time have to be applied consequently.The Assembly does not keep statistics on the non-answered questions but civil society organisations are filling this data gap. This is a problematic area with ample room for improvement, especially concerning the website of the Assembly.The tool of the parliamentary debates at the plenary should be introduced and regulated in the RoP. In general, this tool is to discuss larger policy areas, questions that have wider social impact and interest. Regular policy debates should also be organized on the state of play of the EU relations of Kosovo. The level of engagement in oversight activities of committees is not sufficient to provide an effective control of the government. As far as the monitoring of the implementation of laws is concerned, there have been some positive developments. The proportion of agenda topics not directly linked to actual legislative tasks should be raised, and issues and policy areas should be scrutinized with the involvement of third parties.In Kosovo, there is no existing comprehensive legal framework for the systematic classification of public institutions as to their role and status within the legal and institutional system of the country. Consequently, specific sectoral laws determine the composition and competences, functions and tasks of each independent institution and agency.As part of the public administration reform a targeted functional review and rationalization of independent institutions is implemented in the coming three years with the lead role of the Ministry of Public Administration and with the involvement of the Assembly. The recommendations formulated by the Twinning Project fully respect the ongoing rationalisation, and address the aspects of the practice of exercising parliamentary oversight. The ongoing functional review provides an excellent opportunity to take stock of the experienced shortcomings in the parliamentary oversight process. The Assembly should take a proactive role and use its legislative initiative to amend the identified ambiguous regulations or to introduce missing articles of the specific laws on the independent bodies.The Assembly oversees the independent bodies mainly through the appointment and nomination procedure and the evaluation of their annual reports. As far as the Assembly’s involvement in the appointment and nomination is concerned, it is regulated only in the provisions of the respective laws on the independent bodies, which reveal a very wide variation. Regulations should be standardised, clear and detailed in laws on these institutions. The RoP should be supplemented with the descriptions of the tasks and procedures to be carried out.The obligation to provide the Assembly with annual reports is clearly stated in the majority of the laws concerning independent bodies in a very different manner. The reporting obligation should be standardised in the respective laws, while the procedure for assigning their review should be regulated in the RoP to ensure the involvement of all relevant committees resulting in a more thorough analysis. A cooperation mechanism between the committees should be developed for deliberating the report and adopting a joint opinion for the plenary. The RoP should be amended to require that the representative of the independent body under scrutiny is present at and participates in the plenary debate of the annual report. The laws should also include an obligation to prepare occasional reports upon the request of the Assembly.The deliberation of annual reports and of audited reports of the independent bodies should be streamlined. Currently they are addressed with different recommendations after the evaluation of the annual report and the report prepared by the National Audit Office. By receiving only one set of recommendations, the independent bodies would also receive clearer messages regarding their financial management. The result of the evaluation of independent bodies’ performance should have an effect on their budget. The procedure for the deliberation of the audit reports elaborated by the NAO should be defined in the RoP and in the rules of procedure of the concerned committee to ensure a legal framework of this activity.In order to enhance the oversight function of the Assembly over the independent bodies, general and particular means, e.g. organisation of thematic committee or plenary discussions with representatives of independent bodies, of public event and development of plans on committee oversight activities related to independent bodies, should be considered.A systematic and thorough technical assistance could improve the overall quality of the Assembly’s oversight activity. Consequently, the duties and responsibilities of the Liaison Officer should be revised and updated, as well as cooperation and proactive approach of committee support staff members should be PONENT 4Strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other Committees related to the supervision and support to the SAA processIn the frame of this Component the following activities took place:No.DateYearActivity4.1Enhancing the role of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA process4.1.116-20 May2016Assessment and guidelines on the role and functioning of the Committee on European Integration4.1.210 – 12 October2016Consultation workshop for MPs on tasks and challenges ahead of the Parliament related to the SAA4.1.33 – 5 October2016Consultation workshop for MPs on tasks and work in SAA Joint Committee4.1.4 (2 parts)28 – 30 November6-8 November20162017Public roundtables on current SAA issues (2 events)4.1.510 – 12 October2016Consultation workshop for MPs on the role of the Committee on European Integration in the accession process4.1.613 – 15 February2016Public workshop on the role of the Parliament and its Committee on European Integration in the accession process and the involvement of civil society in the process4.1.7 (6 parts)27 June – 1 July3 – 7 October5 – 9 December13 – 16 March15 – 18 May2-6 October201620162016201720172017On-the-job training for the Secretariat of the Committee on European Integration4.1.820 November – 1 December2017Internship to the European Parliament for staff dealing with European affairs4.1.9 (2 parts)20 – 23 June24-27 October20172017Publications on the activities and tasks of the Committee on European Integration4.1.106 – 10 February2017Roundtable discussions and recommendations to enhance the role of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA process4.1.10.13 – 7 April2017Roundtable and recommendations on the role and activities of the SAPC (new Activity based on the request of the BC)4.2Strengthening the involvement of the Committees in the SAA process4.2.120 – 24 February2017Assessment and guidelines on the role and functioning of the Committees in the SAA process4.2.26 – 9 June2017Training on the role of the Committees in the EU accession process4.2.311-13 December2017Workshop for the Committee for Economic Development, Infrastructure, Trade and Industry on the key issues of the SAA process4.2.42 – 4 May2017Workshop for the Committee for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Spatial Planning on key issues of the SAA process4.2.513-15 December2017Workshop for the Committee on Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth, Sports, Innovation and Entrepreneurship on key issues of the SAA process (based on the agreement with the BC, instead of the Committee on Supervision of Public Finance4.2.613-15 November2017Workshop for the Committee on Legislation, Mandates, Immunities, Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and Oversight of the Anti-Corruption Agency on key issues of the SAA process4.2.723-27 October2017Roundtable discussions and recommendations to strengthen the involvement of the Committees in the SAA process4.3Improving the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the EU integration process4.3.127 February – 3 March2017Assessment on the involvement of the civil society in parliamentary activities related to European integration process4.3.224 – 28 April2017Guidelines to improve the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the European integration process4.3.318-22 September2017Roundtable workshop and recommendations to improve the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the EU integration process4.4Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 4 for strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other committees related to the supervision and support of the SAA processContinuously, during the whole implementation period of the projectMandatory Result 4 - Strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and other Committees related to the supervision and support of the SAA processSAA process is properly supervised and supported by the Assembly through strengthening the relevant activities of the Committees, especially the Committee on European Integration.Members of the Committee on European Integration are familiar with the challenges of the SAA process and further steps in the European Integration mittees understand their role in the SAA process and they are more open to be involved in tasks related to the European integration processMechanisms are elaborated for the enhanced participation of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA processRecommendations are elaborated for more strategic parliamentary actions to raise the general awareness on the EU integration process and the role of the Assembly in it.The Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo entered into force on 1 April 2016. SAA is of historical significance as it creates the first contractual relationship between Kosovo and the EU, focusing on key democratic principles and core elements that are at the heart of the European single market. The SAA created its own institutional set-up in order to facilitate and supervise its implementation, and the joint institutions have started to operate. The appropriate implementation of the SAA is the interest of the country which could be managed in a structured way among and within the public administration institutions and state organs. The parliament itself could have a great role in consensus building in specific policy fields. The SAA and the National Program for the Implementation of the SAA (NPISAA) determine in several respects the preparation for EU integration and consequently focus of the stakeholders should be targeted on the implementation of the SAA.As the duties originated in the SAA have a horizontal nature, within the Kosovo Assembly not only the Committee on European Integration (CEI) has a role in the EU integration process, thus involvement and engagement of all committees has a particular importance. Therefore, it is evident that the SAA implementation should be subject of parliamentary oversight, principally carried out by the Committee on European Integration.The functioning of the Committee on European Integration and other committees of the Assembly related to the supervision and support of the SAA process must be strengthened in general. Committees need efficient mechanisms and methods for fulfilling properly their tasks related to policy forming, EU legal approximation and oversight of the government and other relevant stakeholders including the cooperation and coordination among the players of the SAA.The recommendations of the Twinning Project are formulated on the basis of EU best practices, interviews and roundtable discussions with Beneficiary partners, and also on the experiences gained by the twinning experts in the course of continuous on-the-job trainings, workshops and coaching type activities organised during the project implementation period. The recommendations also take into consideration as a reference the relevant documents prepared in the framework of the previous Twinning Projects supporting the Kosovo Assembly, implemented also by the Hungarian National Assembly (Twinning Project “Support to Kosovo Assembly” implemented in 2011-2013, and Twinning Light Project “Strengthening the functioning of Kosovo Assembly” implemented in 2014).Activities of Component 4 focused on the role and functioning of the Committee on European Integration; on the operation of the EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC); on strengthening the involvement of other committees of the Assembly in the SAA process; and on improving the role of the Assembly in raising general awareness on EU issues.The CEI should become a multifunctional committee where all its functions are performed in a balanced manner. It should be discharged from deliberating of all drafts in the legislative procedure and deal only with EU related draft laws. This would decrease the current work burden which is a precondition for the CEI to increase its effectiveness in other areas. The CEI should actively strengthen the oversight function and political supervision of the European integration activities of the Government. The role of the CEI and its Chairperson is crucial in promoting the European integration process of Kosovo, therefore it is of key importance for the committee to be more engaged in parliamentary diplomacy with EU Member States, EU institutions and regional partners. EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee – as association institution – can play an important role during the association period, since it represents the highest level of inter-parliamentary cooperation with an institutional link to the EP, and it also provides openness to the integration process. The EU-Kosovo SAPC consists of two delegations: one from the EP and one from the Kosovo Assembly. The major impact of EU-Kosovo SAPC lies in the adoption of declarations and recommendations, which are brought to the attention of the Government and both Parliaments as well as to the European Commission.The tasks and the functions of the CEI and the Kosovo delegation of SAPC should be clearly separated. In the association period the tasks of the approximation of laws with the EU acquis multiplies, and it should be done by the CEI. Additionally, the CEI should take a lead and perform its possible multiple tasks regarding the SAA process. The CEI should be an effectively working committee in terms of legislative, monitoring, diplomatic and information aspects of EU-related matters.The development of coordination and cooperation among the committees is one of the prerequisites of successful participation of the Assembly in the implementation of SAA. Although only the scope of activities and responsibilities of the Committee on European Integration includes duties in relation to the EU integration process, each parliamentary committee has responsibility in this matter through its activities. In order to support Members of Parliament (hereinafter: MPs) with all necessary information and documents for their substantial discussion on EU integration related issues, between the committees’ staff members and the ministries a more formalised cooperation should be established.As the institution directly representing citizens and as the forum providing the widest publicity of political debates, the Assembly has to play a key role in informing the general public and as a part, the CSOs about European integration, and in involving them in the implementation of the integration process. This means mainly to raise the awareness on European issues by strengthening the openness and transparency of the activities of the Assembly – including relevant legislative and oversight activities – and especially of its bodies dealing with European integration PONENT 5Strengthening the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration processIn the frame of this Component the following activities took place:No.DATEYEARACTIVITY5.1Developing the activities of the administrative structures responsible for the European integration tasks5.1.130 May – 3 June2016Assessment on the current activities of the administrative structures responsible for the European integration tasks 5.1.221 – 23 September2016Training on EU best practices on the European integration tasks of parliamentary administrations5.1.36 – 9 November2016Study visit to Poland on the European integration tasks of parliamentary administration and legal approximation5.1.413 – 16 December2016Guidelines to develop the activities of the administrative structures responsible for the European integration tasks5.1.5 (2 parts)20 – 23 March15-18 January20172018Roundtable discussions on the guidelines and recommendations to develop the activities of the administrative structures responsible for the European integration tasks5.1.6 (2 parts)3 – 7 July6-10 November2017Support to the administrative structures to update the strategy on international and inter-parliamentary cooperation in light of the SAA (new Activity based on the request of the BC)5.2Improving and enhancing the research activities5.2.16 – 10 June2016Developing guidelines to European integration related research activities5.2.2 (11 parts)13 – 16 September 18 – 21 October14 – 17 November5 – 8 December20 – 23 March18 – 21 April5 – 7 June9-13 October4-7 December22-25 January12-16 February20162016201620162017201720172017201720182018Coaching to the preparation of research papers assisting the decision-making of various Assembly groups5.2.319 – 30 June2017Internship for research staff to Hungary on the preparation of research papers5.3Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 5 for strengthening the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration processContinuously, throughout the whole implementation period of the projectMandatory Result 5 - Strengthening the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration processAdministration of the Assembly strategically and effectively supports the MPs through strengthened administrative structures responsible for European integration tasks and improved research activities.The adequate administrative set-up for effective support to the MPs in European integration tasks is elaborated.Staff is capable to strategically and effectively support MPs in issues related to European integration process.Research capabilities of the administrative staff are strengthened compared to baseline based on upgraded procedures and practicesIn the last couple of years, international relations of Kosovo have been intensifying in the field of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially because of the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement – which is, as the first contractual relationship, a milestone towards Kosovo’s European integration –, furthermore, because of the increased participation of the Kosovo Assembly in various international fora. These new developments widen both the foreign policy possibilities of Kosovo and the possibilities of Kosovo Assembly’s parliamentary diplomacy.For the Republic of Kosovo, European integration process is a priority. This requires time and certain fundamental decisions both at political and at organizational levels. Based on the European integration experiences of the lastly acceded countries, only a well-balanced, gradual, and fully operational process, adapted to the domestic specificities, leads to the successful accession of the Republic of Kosovo to the European Union. This process has different stages which can be identified in line with the status of the country seeking the entry into the EU: the potential candidate country status, the granting of candidate country status phase, the so called accession negotiations stage, and the final stage between the closure of accession negotiations and the entry to the EU. All of these phases have their special characteristics and require different organisational structures as well as space for decision-making. The Republic of Kosovo is for the time being a potential candidate country with a well-developed Stabilization and Association Process.A process of pre-accession adaptation of national systems to the EU and its legal order falls mainly within the competences of the governments, as a segment of foreign relations. However, parliaments also have their vital tasks, among them first and foremost, to adopt laws and to control the work of the governments. This is why even during the pre-accession, or potential candidate country phase of European integration it is of utmost importance to strengthen the role and capacities of the legislative branch. For the Members of Parliament and for the civil servants it is equally necessary to further enhance capacities to be able to make decisions and represent the national interests in negotiations with the European Union institutions.Therefore, the crucial task for national parliaments in the pre-accession period is to provide political control over the process of European integration and later accession to the European Union. This democratic involvement of national parliaments could be effected through various fora and means: the process of harmonisation of legislation, the Committee on European Integration (CEI), through the Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee with European Parliament, or with the parliamentary scrutiny over the negotiating process.The recommendations on the performance of duties described above are formulated on the basis of best European practices, meetings and roundtable discussion, a series of coaching type activities organised during the implementation period of the current Twinning Project. They also take into consideration as a reference the relevant documents prepared in the framework of the previous Twinning Projects supporting the Kosovo Assembly, implemented also by the Hungarian National Assembly.The recommendations are fine-tuned for the Kosovo Assembly and take into account the current realities. They cover three main areas:- Recommendations to develop activities of the administrative structures responsible for the EU integration tasks;- Recommendations for the strategy on international relations and interparliamentary cooperation in the light of the SAA;- Recommendations for improving and enhancing research activities.As far as developing of administrative structures responsible for EU integration is concerned, the objective was to use the existing professional capacities and organisational units for EU affairs management from all aspects of the activities, and as a core recommendation, to establish a new EU integration coordinative body for the sake of fulfilling the lacking needs, and to gradually increase the capacities of the administration in order to provide assistance to the MPs in EU matters. Regardless of where it is placed in the administration, the unit should not take away the competences assigned to the current organisational units dealing with European integration, but on the contrary it should coordinate among, supplement the work of, and gain information from different organisational units already existing in the parliamentary administration. Nevertheless, in line with the experiences and the best practices of EU Member States’ parliaments, it is recommended to establish this unit within the Directorate for Protocol and International Relations.In order to be able to fulfil, plan and manage the international relations and inter-parliamentary cooperation efficiently, an updated strategy had to be elaborated for the Assembly. It shall focus on those areas of international and inter-parliamentary relations which have been affected by recent internal and international developments. Taking into consideration the latest achievements, special attention should be paid to the implementation of the SAA and the relations with the Council of Europe and NATO. In general terms, the activity of the Kosovo Assembly should be in line with the concept that the foreign policy of the country is represented and implemented by all state organs in cooperation.High quality parliamentary research is indispensable in order to be able to provide professional assistance to Members of the Parliament to fulfil their legislative, oversight, and representative duties, particularly with respect to the approximation of national legal system with EU legislation. Therefore, the Twinning Project elaborated – based on the best European practices – detailed guidelines for the Directorate for Research, Library and Archives to further develop European integration related research activities. These guidelines are based on the results of the previous Twinning Projects, assessment of current capacities and operation of the Directorate for Research, Library and Archives with a special focus on the production of research papers. Another important mission of the project was to carry out a series of coaching type activities where twinning experts assisted the preparation of 10 concrete parliamentary research papers. Based on the experiences of these coaching type activities a Manual on conducting research papers was also prepared.2E – IMPACT As highlighted earlier, the Twinning Project’s main achievement is the elaboration of the Action Plan which intends to serve as a roadmap to guide and enhance the activities of the Kosovo Assembly in the SAA process. It contains 224 concrete actions for the Kosovo Assembly, defining in a tangible way for each action (recommendation) the format, the responsible body, the deadline for implementation and reference to possible budgetary consequences (where relevant) The Action Plan is a summary of all project recommendations,?establishing a prioritization of tasks and a differentiation between issues of political or administrative nature.?The Action Plan was elaborated based on the previous recommendations unanimously voted and approved by the BC,?in three parts (starting from September 2017) also in continuous consultation with the BC partners. Each part was submitted electronically to the BC partners for feedback and the complete version of the Action Plan was finalized on the basis of their remarks and comments and submitted to them again after oral discussions in each action wherever it was necessary. Thanks to this thorough procedure the final version of the Action Plan fully enjoys the agreement of the BC Administration. For the full implementation of the Action Plan, however, support from political level is also needed. Therefore it is proposed that the Presidency of the Assembly should endorse the Action Plan and regular follow-up procedure is required for the monitoring of its implementation by the Presidency and also by the EU Office.The Action Plan not only facilitates the implementation of project recommendations but could also serve as a tool for the Kosovo Assembly and donor organizations to identify key areas where further assistance may be needed, thus fostering an effective and actual donor coordination.The Project as such can be described highly successful. The complexity of the project can be described with the facts that the Project was implemented with the participation of more than 50 experts from the Hungarian National Assembly and parliaments from 10 other EU Member States and the European Parliament, implementing 92 activities in 5 Components.From the perspective of the overall objective of the Twinning (To help the Kosovo Assembly to meet the democratic standards of functionality) it is too early to make a final evaluation on the impact of the Project in detail, as in case of parliamentary twinning projects, for the implementation of a large number of proposals political decisions are needed which can be made usually after finalisation of the project. But the above achievements and various further proofs validate the extensive success of this Twinning Project.However, one has to be aware – and it is also reaffirmed in the Action Plan –, that in most of the cases of the 224 listed actions the implementation of the proposals requires time: in order to implement the key project proposals longer period is needed. This timeframe, however, can still be suited to the rhythm of the integration process, therefore, on the basis of the project proposals the Kosovo Assembly could fulfil all the tasks and meet all the challenges related to the SAA. There are several additional measurable impacts of the Twinning Project, especially as far as the awareness and the preparedness of the individuals are concerned. In order to facilitate the transfer of the Twinning Project’s findings and recommendations incorporated to the Action Plan, they were translated into Albanian and Serbian, then presented and distributed to the MPs and staff members, both in the course of the Project, and also at the Project’s closing events.For a successful EU integration process national parliaments need to rely on competent and highly skilled staff members who dispose of the necessary theoretical and technical knowledge thus being able to provide professional support to the MPs. In this twinning project, special emphasis was laid on different types of trainings, tailored to the needs and requests of the Kosovo Assembly.The officials attended in large number and participated actively on the various training events (on-the-job trainings, coaching-type activities, general training sessions, workshops). This intensive and tailor-made training programme required thorough preparedness and expertise from the MS experts and a real involvement from the BC side.The more than 40 different training activities, 2 study visits and 2 internships will certainly contribute to the increased quality of the administrative support in European affairs. Due to the Project, there is now a broad understanding among the staff on how parliaments of EU Member States and former candidate countries deal with European affairs at the different stages of the integration in all the relevant fields (legislative, oversight, administrative issues – financial and budgetary planning and IT –, inter-parliamentary and information activities). The staff dealing with European affairs, legislation and information activities is disposing of the necessary knowledge related to parliamentary EU affairs.Training materials were made available for the MPs and staff members in local languages in electronic format and hard copies. Overall 11 publications were elaborated and published during the Project’s implementation: These were targeted the MPs and all the staff members, and further external partners of the Beneficiaries.A very positive and long-standing impact is that the Twinning project has produced also indirect and not always measurable results: the intensive cooperation among MS experts of 11 MS national parliaments and the European Parliament and the relevant staff of the Kosovo Assembly has strengthened the ties and created an important network, first of all among the Kosovar and Hungarian partners, but also with the other participating experts from Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and the United Kingdom. The definite purpose of the MS partners expressed in their twinning proposal to invite as many other Member States in the Project as possible has created fruitful long-standing relationships for the Kosovo Assembly. While this also contributed to the fulfilment of the other main approach of the MS Partner: the Project Team prepared recommendations to the Kosovo Assembly which are based on a broad basis of various EU best practices, but are fully elaborated taking into consideration the current situation and challenges ahead of the Kosovo Assembly, so they are not a simple copy of any EU model, but specially designed for Kosovo. 2F – FOLLOW-UP AND SUSTAINABILITYIn the form of the Action Plan, the Project presented a clear itinerary on the steps to be taken and gave a detailed method for implementation. For each action included in the Action Plan is the format, the responsible body and the deadline for implementation is defined. All the important political and administrative level tasks were identified and clear solutions were offered. The Project gave a full description on how the Kosovo Assembly should address the tasks and challenges at the different stages of the EU integration process which is a crucial impact. In this respect it should be emphasized that all the proposals were elaborated taking into account the best European practices, the lessons learned by previous accession countries and the capacities and needs of the Kosovo Assembly. Since the recommendations were made always in harmony with the relevant BC partners, endorsed by substantial discussions ensuring full understanding, the project proposals can be easily followed and the necessary decisions can be taken.To provide a comprehensive oversight on the underlying reasoning and necessities on those recommendations, concluding publications were elaborated based on the original activity reports in each of the 5 components. These publications provide specific concluding findings and recommendations on all the results, the gained knowledge and the recommended changes to be introduced in the organization, tasks, responsibilities and functioning of the Kosovo Assembly in the respective fields; thus serving as useful manuals not only for MPs and staff members but also for other donors and partners of the Kosovo Assembly.Also, a thorough training needs assessment was prepared in the 2.2.2 activity report, which summarizes the possible further, follow-up actions to be taken in terms of capacity-building, including recommendations to enhance the training management within the parliamentary administration for the sake of establishing firm professional background.The Project leadership and the MS experts received continuously valuable contribution from several high ranking MPs and senior administrative leaders of the Kosovo Assembly. Substantial contributions were given by the political and administrative leaderships to the Project Team on the project recommendations. All project recommendations were adopted unanimously on the quarterly Steering Committee Meetings. The Action Plan was also continuously coordinated with the BC and submitted for final approval. Senior political representatives were consulted as well on the significant project developments and their opinion was asked when important proposals were made.The administrative leadership of the Kosovo Assembly was always consulted on the issues related to the organization of the staff. All the project proposals were discussed with the BC Project Leader. In the cases related to particular organizational units, their heads and staff members were also involved in the work. This involvement of the BC staff in the implementation of the Project makes it even more promising and realistic that the necessary decisions and implementing steps needed to put the achieved mandatory results in practise will be made and so the Project results will be fully utilized.From the point of view of sustainability it is worth underlining the efforts done to involve and inform the political leaders and also the administrative leadership of the highest level in the Project. Both political and administrative leadership showed a strong ownership on the achieved results and forthcoming actions.For the sustainability of project results it has key importance that the Presidency of the Assembly should endorse the Action Plan and after that regular follow-up procedure is required for the monitoring of its implementation by the Presidency and also by the EU Office. To this end, every six months the relevant administrative officials should discuss the progress in the implementation of actions specified in the Action Plan and compile a report to be submitted by the Secretary General to the Presidency. This monitoring framework would foster the adoption of necessary decisions for successful implementation, would help to evaluate steps and developments continuously and would also facilitate the identification and definition of further support required from the EU side to the Assembly.The staff of the Kosovo Assembly after having attended the extensive training programme expanded its knowledge on European issues which now can be broadly implemented in their everyday work. The efficient cooperation among the more than 50 MS experts of 11 MS national parliaments and the European Parliament and staff members of the Kosovo Assembly resulted in the creation of an important professional network which provides the Kosovo Assembly with the opportunity to consult MS parliamentary experts in various issues even after the closure of the project.It is for sure, that when implemented, project results will serve for a long-term period. According to the practice of EU Member States, once all the necessary procedures, methods and practiced are put in place, and this way an efficient parliamentary administration is set up, it can operate in stability, without more substantial changes for long years. Therefore it can be stated, that if the Kosovo Assembly adjusts its legal and administrative system for the handling of EU affairs according to the project proposals, then the mandatory results can be sustained for the long run. 2G – CONCLUSIONSConsidering the complexity and the intensive implementation of the activities, the implementation of the Project can be considered as an important success. All the activities were carried out, additional activities upon the request of the Beneficiary were undertaken, and all the recommendations needed for the achievement of the mandatory results were elaborated. In case the original mandatory result could not be achieved due to the lack of the adoption of the Law on the Assembly, the BC and MS partners, in cooperation with the EUO, adapted the activities to the actual requests and needs of the BC.The MS experts ensured a valuable contribution in terms of expertise and availability. The participation of several MS experts from 11 EU parliaments and the European Parliament ensured a really exhaustive overview on the best practices of EU parliaments.The Kosovo Assembly provided the MS experts with the necessary technical support and facilities. The staff of the BC showed deep interest in the Project, also the highest level politicians and administrative leaders were available for the Project and produced evidence of their ownership.The partnership among MS and BC sides worked well, the mutual commitment was realized in a smooth and efficient cooperation. A constant and valuable cooperation was ensured by the EU Office as well.Based on the best practices of current EU parliaments the MS experts elaborated detailed recommendations for all the project components. As emphasized in earlier chapters of this report in all project Components the proposals made by the MS experts contain accurate and detailed suggestions. Along with the Action Plan, they are ready and available for immediate use and implementation. With their implementation the Kosovo Assembly would become capable to efficiently operate in the EU framework, assuming that additional crucial decisions will be taken on behalf of the executive branch and that the implementation of the recommendations will receive the necessary impetus from all sides and all required resources will be mobilized. Therefore it is highly important that the Presidency of the Assembly should endorse the Action Plan and should regularly (at least on a semester basis) monitor its implementation. From this point of view the EU Office will also have an important role to play in monitoring and supporting the implementation activities.2H – FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS This Project showed the essential meaning of a successful twinning. The project partners worked in full cooperation and with strong commitment for the benefit of the Kosovo Assembly.The MS partners elaborated the project recommendations always after consulting all relevant BC partners. The MS partners never forced their own models to the BC counterpart but assisted to find the models best fitting to the Kosovo Assembly, taking into consideration its capacities and current situation. From the very beginning it was clear that the partners are looking for solutions which best serve the interests of the Kosovo Assembly. Therefore all the project proposals take into consideration the best practices of and lessons learned by EU Member States national parliaments, and also the political and constitutional factors and everyday necessities of the BC at the same time. This approach made the successful implementation of the Project possible.The interest for understanding EU standards and best practices and the openness of the Kosovo partners to the proposals of the MS experts contributed also in a large extent to the smooth implementation of the Project.This Project showed again that parliamentary twinning projects are different from governmental ones. The special nature of the combination of political and administrative actors and the variety of decision-makers (as far as political affiliations and positions are concerned) makes the consultations more complex, while especially in the implementation of mandatory results, it requires more time, since many decisions need to be made at political level and many times political consensus (or at least large majority support) is required.As an overall statement, it can be emphasized that this project served the interest of the Kosovo Assembly, and contributed to its preparation for EU accession in a very significant manner, which shows that such parliamentary twinning is a very useful tool in enlargement countries. At the same time it has to be underlined that due to the fact that the implementation of the complex project proposals and the nature of parliamentary decision-making are time-consuming, therefore it is evident that longer timeframe is needed to put all project recommendations into practice.As far as the Kosovo Assembly is concerned, formal political endorsement of the project recommendations by the Presidency of the Kosovo Assembly would have a key significance. A proper internal follow-up mechanism shall also be established which guarantees timely implementation of all project recommendations included in the Action Plan. The Presidency of the Kosovo Assembly should practice political monitoring over the implementation of the Action Plan and should discuss the implementation process on a regular basis (at least in every 6 month) based on report from the Secretary General. As for the EU side, it is also well worth to introduce in parliamentary twinning projects a longer and more active follow-up mechanism after the strictly defined project implementation period, to monitor the implementation of the project results jointly by the EU Office and the implementing project partners. It is based on the results of this monitoring that the EU Office should prepare the possible further support on behalf of the EU, thus ensuring a responsible use of EU resources.After the completion of the twinning project, the Action Plan shall also serve as a long-term tool for the Kosovo Assembly and donor organizations to identify key areas where further assistance may be needed, thus facilitating an effective and actual donor coordination. Repetition of the twinning project recommendations by other projects and donors should be avoided, activities of all donors related to the areas of this project should be built on the already achieved results of the Twinning Project.Only this approach can ensure the most efficient use of the results of the accomplished and ongoing projects and appropriate preparation for potential future assistance programs financed by the international community.2I – ANNEXESAnnex 1: Overview of the mandatory results achievedA C T I V I T YexpectedMANDATORYRESULTS(Components)DeadlineDelay +/-expectedBENCHMARKS(Activities)ASSESSMENTto dateSelf-assessmentHS (Highly satisf.)S (Satisfactory)U (Unsatisfactory)NoTitleCOMPONENT 0: Project kick-off and closing events0.1Introductory Coordination Meetings and Roundtables of MS and BC teamsMonth 1No delayProject Office opened.Meetings are organised with leaders of the administration.Strong involvement of BC PL and Component Leaders and Coordinators ensured Meetings are organised with relevant political leaders to inform them about the launch of the project and the objective of its activities.Kick-Off Event discussed and all necessary preparation defined.Administrative procedures related to project launching discussed and agreed.The benchmark was fully completed.HS0.2Kick-off eventMonth 2No delayStakeholders, media and public are informed about the ponent leaders on BC and MS side discuss the outline of the implementation of the ComponentsThe benchmark was fully completed.HS0.3Closing EventMonth 24No delayResults of the project presented to stakeholders, media and ponent leaders make conclusions to be used as a basis for Final Report.The benchmark was fully completed.HS0.4Public Conference on project results (New Activity)Month 25No delayProposals and recommendations of the project presented to the senior stakeholders of the BC and representatives of donors and civil society organizations cooperating with the Kosovo Assembly.The MS Project Leadership introduces and discusses the project’s concluding results and recommendations with the administrative leadership of the Kosovo AssemblyConclusions drawn by MS Project Team for Final Report.The benchmark was fully completed.HSC O M P O N E N T 1IMPROVING THE FUNCTIONING OF THE LEGISLATION AND ENHANCING THE LAW APPROXIMATION ACTIVITIES The Law on the Assembly is properly implemented and allows for independent functioning of the Assembly;The benchmark in its original form could not be completed due to factors outside the project’s competence (lack of the adoption of the Law on the Assembly), therefore, in agreement among the BC, MS and EUO, activities related to this mandatory result were reorientated to improve the functioning of the legislation in generalSThe functioning of the legislative process is improved.The benchmark was fully completed.HSLegal approximation activities of the Assembly are upgradedThe benchmark was fully completed. HSStaff is capable of applying the new rules in everyday functioning of the Assembly.The practice of legislative process and relevant internal procedures and regulations are brought in line with the provisions of the new legal framework.New manual on the legal approximation procedure for the Assembly is elaborated and practiced.The Project elaborated and introduced the necessary suggestions to make the staff capable to carry out efficiently their tasks related to legislation.Benchmark reorientated. Manual on legal analysis and on preparation of documents supporting the legislative procedure is elaborated.Benchmark is fully completed, the manual on European legal approximation and on preparation of documents supporting the legislative procedure is elaboratedHSHSHS1.1Assisting the implementation of the new legal framework of the Assembly related to the legislative process1.1.1Coaching to the introduction and application of the new Law on the Assembly, the related modification of the Rules of Procedure and other relevant legal issuesMonth 1-12ReplacedContinuous coaching activity is performed by the MTE during the entire implementation period of the project, supplemented by the expertise provided by the STEs.MPs and relevant staff members are continuously supported in the implementation of the new legal framework.The benchmark in its original form could not be completed due to factors outside the project’s competence (lack of the adoption of the Law on the Assembly), therefore, in agreement among the BC, MS and EUO, a new Activity (1.1.6) was introduced instead of Activity 1.1.1-1.1.2Workshops on practical aspects of law drafting (2 parts)Month 4 and 72 monthsTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsSummary report elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.2 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese expert conducted the activity.10-15 BC partners were regularly consultedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS1.1.3On-the-job training on codification and legal analysis (practical exercises of codification tasks)Month 8 and 14No delayContinuous on-the-job training performed by the MTE, supplemented by the activities of STEs.Staff members are supported in their everyday codification and legal analysis activity through the legislative process.Manual prepared on codification techniques and legal analysis2 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese expert conducted the activity.12 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.Manual was prepared.The benchmark was fully completed.HS1.1.4Guidelines and workshop to improve the involvement of the civil society in the legislation with special regard to the EU mattersMonth 8No delayInterviews and discussion with MPs (committee chairs and other leading MPs), heads of services and other senior staff to prepare the guidelinesTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the activityInteractive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsSet of guidelines for improvement drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.CSO involvement and input ensured2 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese expert delivered the activity.9 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S1.1.5Roundtable discussions and recommendations on further improving the legislative processMonth 235 monthsInterviews and roundtable meetings with BC partners both at administrative and political levels.Recommendations drafted on the basis of the outcome of roundtable discussions and previous interviews by the MS experts for further improving the legislative process2 Hungarian, 2 Portuguese experts delivered the activity.8 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS1.1.6On-the-job training for Committee staff on preparation of legal opinionsMonth 21No delayOn-the-job training is provided for the committee staff to put into practice the recommendations aiming at further developing the legislative processrecommendations elaborated to assist the secretariats of the Committees in performing their tasks efficiently2 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese expert delivered the activity.8 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S1.2Enhancing the EU legal approximation activities of the Assembly1.2.1Drafting a manual on the legal approximation procedure for the AssemblyMonth 8 and 91 monthInterviews and consultations with BC partners on both administrative and political levelsManual is prepared by the MS experts on the legal approximation procedure for the Assembly3 Hungarian experts delivered the activity.11 BC partners were consultedManual was preparedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS1.2.2On-the-job training and coaching to legal approximation (practical exercises of approximation tasks)Month 9, 12, 15, 21, 23No delayContinuous on-the-job training performed by the MTE, supplemented by the activities of STEsStaff members are supported in their everyday law approximation activity through the legislative process.3 Hungarian and 1 Polish expert delivered the missions.15-20 BC partners were regularly consultedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS1.2.3Practical workshops on the transposition of the EU acquis (4 parts)Month 8, 9, 11, 17No delayInteractive workshops organized with presentations and Q&A sessions.Training materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Training manuals elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.2 Hungarian, 1 Polish, 1 Latvian, 1 Croatian, 1 Czech, 1 Slovak expert delivered the missions.15-25 BC partners were regularly consultedTraining manuals were elaboratedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS1.3.Activities of the Medium-Term Expert (MTE) for legislative and legal approximation support in Component 1Month 1-25No delayCoordination of the activities related to legislative and legal approximation fields and issues related to the independent functioning of the AssemblyRegular advice is provided by the MTE to BC staff on legislative and legal approximation issues in reports, coaching and on-the job training activitiesRecommendations related to legislative issues and the establishment of the independent functioning of the Assembly are elaboratedRecommendations for maximising project outputs are elaboratedMTE conducted the activity.Continuous consultations with the BC providedContribution to activities of Component 1 ensuredThe benchmark was fully completed.HSC O M P O N E N T 2IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE ASSEMBLY RELATED TO ITS INDEPENDENT FUNCTIONING IN THE AREA OF FINANCES, HUMAN RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE The Law on the Assembly is properly implemented and allows for independent functioning of the Assembly;The benchmark in its original form could not be completed due to factors outside the project’s competence (lack of the adoption of the Law on the Assembly), therefore, in agreement among the BC, MS and EUO, activities related to this mandatory result were reorientated to improve the autonomous functioning of the Kosovo Assembly in the field of finances, human resources and IT.SKosovo Assembly improves the management of finances, human resources and IT issues.The benchmark was completed. New or modified procedures are elaborated, installing and functioning requires longer timeframeHSStaff is capable of applying the new rules in everyday functioning of the Assembly.The benchmark modified in agreement with the BC was completed. SThe practice of the management of finances, human resources and IT issues are brought in line with the provisions of the new legal framework.The benchmark modified in agreement with the BC was completed.S2.1Assisting the budget planning procedure, the implementation of the budget and related financial procedures2.1.1Coaching to the budget planning procedure and the introduction and application of the new legal framework of the AssemblyMonth 3, 143 monthsContinuous coaching activity is performed by the MTE during the entire implementation period of the project, supplemented by the expertise provided by the STEs.MPs and relevant staff members are continuously supported in the implementation of the new legal framework.Evaluation report prepared on the coaching activities.1 Hungarian, 1 Danish and 1 Portuguese expert conducted the activity.14 + 17 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.The modified benchmark was fully completed.HS2.1.2Guidelines to develop the practice of public procurementMonth 2110 monthsInterviews and discussion with heads of services and other senior staff to prepare the guidelines.Set of guidelines for improvement drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.1 Danish and 1 Portuguese expert conducted the activity.24 BC partners were consultedGuidelines were elaboratedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS2.1.3Recommendations on further developing the budgetary and financial procedureMonth 15No delayRecommendations drafted on the basis of the outcome of the coaching activities and interviews by the MS experts for further developing the budgetary and financial procedure.1 Hungarian, 1 Danish and 1 Portuguese expert conducted the activity.12 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS2.1.4Dissemination workshop and guidelines on budgetary decentralization (new activity based on the request of the BC)Month 19No delayWorkshop with heads of services and other senior staff to put into practice recommendations of Activity 2.1.3Set of guidelines for improvement drawn up by the MS expert in consultation with the authorities of the BC.1 Danish expert conducted the activity.14 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS2.2Assisting the functioning of the HR management of the Administration2.2.1Coaching to the introduction and application of the new legal framework related to HR managementMonth 4No delayContinuous coaching activity is performed by the MTE during the entire implementation period of the project, supplemented by the expertise provided by the STEs.MPs and relevant staff members are continuously supported in the implementation of the new legal framework.Evaluation report prepared on the coaching activities.2 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese and 1 UK expert conducted the activity.The benchmark was modified due to lack of the adoption of the Law on the Assembly, therefore, in agreement among the BC, MS and EUO, activities related to this mandatory result were reorientated to improve the autonomous functioning of the Kosovo Assembly in the field of human resources.8 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was completed.S2.2.2Recommendations to adapt internal regulations on the organization and responsibilities and other relevant rules of the Administration to strengthen its independent functioningMonth 21No delayRecommendations drafted on the basis of the outcome of the coaching activities and interviews by the MS experts to adapt internal regulations on the organization and responsibilities and other relevant rules of the Administration to strengthen its independent functioning.2 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.14 BC partners were consultedRecommendation focusing on the training needs of the Kosovo Assembly preparedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was completed.S2.3Assisting the IT independence process and the development of the e-Parliament system2.3.1Coaching to the implementation of the IT Action Plan for independent functioningMonth 2, 7No delayContinuous coaching activity is performed by the MTE during the entire implementation period of the project, supplemented by the expertise provided by the STEsMPs and relevant staff members are continuously supported in the implementation of the IT Action Plan in the context of the new legal frameworkEvaluation report prepared on the coaching activities.3 Hungarian and 1 Latvian, expert conducted the activity. 12 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was completed.S2.3.2Guidelines for developing parliamentary audio-video systemMonth 3No delayQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity.Interviews with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Guidelines prepared for developing parliamentary audio-video system1 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese and 1 Northern Irish expert conducted the activity.8 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S2.3.3Guidelines for developing e-parliament systemMonth 10No delayInterviews with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Guidelines prepared for developing e-parliament system3 Hungarian and 1 Latvian, expert conducted the activity.16 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S2.3.4Training on e-parliament systemMonth 131 monthInteractive workshops organized with presentations and Q&A sessions Training materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Training manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC3 Hungarian and 1 Latvian, expert conducted the activity.20 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS2.4Study visit to the UK Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly on the independent functioning of the parliamentMonth 156 monthsStudy visit programme discussed with the BC team.BC participants to be trained and informed on the relevant procedures in the MS.Mission report drafted by the participants on identification of the most relevant mechanisms to be transposed in BC.9 BC Officials participated in the activityDetailed mission report was prepared by the participants and sent to the MSThe benchmark was fully completed.HS2.5Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 2 for implementing the new legal framework of the Assembly related to its independent functioning in the areas of finances, human resources and infrastructureMonth 1-23No delayCoordination of the activities related to the independent functioning of the AssemblyRegular advice is provided by the MTE to BC staff on issues related to the independent functioning of the Assembly in reports and coaching activitiesRecommendations related to issues on the establishment of the independent functioning of the Assembly are elaboratedRecommendations for maximising project outputs are elaboratedMTE conducted the activity.Continuous consultations with the BC providedContribution to activities of Component 2 ensuredThe benchmark was fully completed.HSC O M P O N E N T 3STRENGTHENING THE OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS OF THE ASSEMBLY Kosovo Assembly effectively and efficiently conducts oversight functions of Government and the Independent Agencies.The benchmark was completed. Mechanism is elaborated, full implementation requires longer timeframe.SMore effective oversight mechanisms vis-à-vis Governments are introduced compared to baseline.The benchmark was completed. Mechanism is elaborated, full implementation requires longer timeframe.SMore effective oversight mechanisms related to supervisory and regulatory bodies are introduced compared to baseline.The benchmark was completed. Mechanism is elaborated, full implementation requires longer timeframe.SParliament IS more familiar with European standards in oversight activities.The benchmark was completed. Procedures and methods are elaborated, full implementation requires longer timeframe.HS3.1Strengthening the parliamentary oversight of Government activities3.1.1Assessment of the current parliamentary oversight of Government activitiesMonth 2No delayQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity.Interviews with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Interviews with MPs (relevant committee chairs and other leading MPs).Assessment report drawn up by the MS experts.2 Hungarian, 1 Polish and 1 UK expert conducted the activity.14 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS3.1.2Training on EU best practices in oversight activities of the plenaryMonth 3No delayTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshops organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian, 1 Portuguese, 1 Northern Irish and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.High BC participation on the training was ensured (43 participants)By finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS3.1.3Training on EU best practices in oversight activities of the committeesMonth 4No delayTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshops organized with presentations and Q&A sessions.Training manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian, 1 UK House of Lords, 1 Northern Irish and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.High BC participation on the training was ensured (40 participants)By finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS3.1.4Guidelines to improve the parliamentary oversight of Government activitiesMonth 7No delayInterviews and discussion on assessment report and all development in the meantime with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Set of guidelines for improvement drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.2 Hungarian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.11 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was completed.S3.1.5Roundtable discussions on the guidelines and recommendations to improve the parliamentary oversight of Government activitiesMonth 9No delayRoundtable discussion on guidelines with MPs.Roundtable discussion on guidelines with relevant staff members.Recommendations drafted for setting up mechanisms for enhancing oversight practices, including the EU-accession related activities.3 Hungarian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.9 BC partners were consulted and high participation on the roundtable was ensuredBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was completed.HS3.2Developing the mechanism for efficient monitoring of the Independent Agencies3.2.1Assessment of the current monitoring of the Independent AgenciesMonth 11, 12No delayQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity.Interviews with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Interviews with MPs (relevant committee chairs and other leading MPs).Assessment report drawn up by the MS experts.4 Hungarian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.26 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS3.2.2Training on the EU best practices in monitoring of Independent AgenciesMonth 161 monthTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshops organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian, 1 Polish, 1 Portuguese and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.High participation was ensuredBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS3.2.3Guidelines to develop the mechanisms for efficient monitoring of the Independent Agencies and their reporting practicesMonth 192 monthsInterviews and discussion on assessment report and all development in the meantime with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Set of guidelines for improvement drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.Involvement and coordination with Independent Agencies4 Hungarian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.5 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S3.2.4Roundtable discussions on the guidelines and recommendations to develop a manual on efficient monitoring of the Independent Agencies and their reporting practicesMonth 233 monthsRoundtable discussion on guidelines with MPs.Roundtable discussion on guidelines with relevant staff members.Recommendations prepared for a manual on efficient monitoring of the independent Agencies and their reporting practices.4 Hungarian and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.21 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S3.3Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 3 for strengthening the oversight functions of the AssemblyMonth 2-20No delayCoordination of the activities related to the coherence of the oversight functions and the independent functioning of the AssemblyRegular advice is provided by the MTE to BC staff on issues related to oversight and the independent functioning of the Assembly in reports and consultation activitiesRecommendations related to issues on the oversight functions and the independent functioning of the Assembly are elaboratedRecommendations for maximising project outputs are elaboratedMTE conducted the activity.Continuous consultations with the BC providedContribution to activities of Component 3 ensuredThe benchmark was fully completed.HSC O M P O N E N T 4 STRENGTHENING THE FUNCTIONING OF THE COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND THE OTHER COMMITTEES RELATED TO THE SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT TO THE SAA PROCESS SAA process is properly supervised and supported by the Assembly through strengthening the relevant activities of the Committees, especially the Committee on European IntegrationThe Project elaborated and introduced the necessary recommendations. Implementation will require longer timeframe and enhanced resources.HSMembers of the Committee on European Integration are familiar with the challenges of the SAA process and further steps in the European integration tasks.. The benchmark was fully completed.HSCommittees are familiar with their tasks in the SAA process and they are more open to be involved in activities related to the European integration process.The benchmark was fully completed.HSMechanisms are elaborated for the enhanced participation of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA process.Recommendations are elaborated for more strategic parliamentary actions to raise the general awareness on the EU integration process and the role of the Assembly in it. The benchmark was fully completed.The benchmark was fully completed..HSHS4.1Enhancing the role of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA process4.1.1Assessment and guidelines on the role and functioning of the Committee on European IntegratiMonth 3No delayQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity.Interviews with MPs (chairperson and members of the Committee on European Integration)Interviews with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Interviews with Government counterparts of the Committee.Guidelines report drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.2 Hungarian, 1 Polish and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.13 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.1.2Consultation workshop for MPs on tasks and challenges ahead of the Parliament related to the SAAMonth 84 monthsTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshops organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.10 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.1.3Consultation workshop for MPs on tasks and work in SAA Joint CommitteeMonth 81 monthTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining report elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian and 1 European Parliament expert conducted the activity.14 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.1.4Public roundtables on current SAA issues (2 events)Month 9, 216 months delayTopics of the roundtables defined with the leadership of the Committee on European IntegrationInteractive public events organized for MPs and civil society representatives with presentations and Q&A sessionsConcluding reports elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC1 Hungarian, 1 Croatian, 1 Latvian and 1 European Parliament expert conducted the missions.24 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S4.1.5Consultation workshop for MPs on the role of the Committee on European Integration in the accession processMonth 82 monthsTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshops organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.10 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completedHS4.1.6Public workshop on the role of the Parliament and its Committee on European Integration in the accession process and the involvement of civil society in the processMonth 12No delayInteractive public event organized for MPs and civil society representatives with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining report prepared on the conclusion of the event1 Hungarian and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.11 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S4.1.7On-the-job training for the Secretariat of the Committee on European Integration (6 missions)Months 4, 8, 10, 13,, 15, 20, One-week on-the-job training provided by STEs focusing on different special tasksStaff members are supported by the RTA, MTE and STEs in performing their everyday tasks in order to ensure a more efficient management and secretarial assistance to MPs.3 Hungarian and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.Continuous consultation with the CEI staff was ensuredBy finishing the mission, reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was completed.HS4.1.8Internship to the European Parliament for staff dealing with European affairsInternship programme discussed with the BC team.BC participants to be trained and informed on the relevant procedures in the EP.Mission report drafted by the participants and identification of the most relevant mechanisms to be transposed in BC.2 BC staff members participated in the delegationThe participants drafted the detailed mission report.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.1.9Publications on the activities and tasks of the Committee on European IntegrationPublications prepared by MS STEs with the RTA and the MTE, in agreement with the BC.Distribution provided by the BC.Layout of the publications in line with the EU visibility requirements.3 Hungarian experts conducted the activity.6 BC partners were consulted Publications were prepared in consultation with the BC.By finishing the mission, reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.1.10Roundtable discussions and recommendations to enhance the role of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA processRoundtable discussion on guidelines with MPs.Roundtable discussion on guidelines with relevant staff membersRecommendations prepared to enhance the role of the Committee on European Integration in the SAA process.2 Hungarian, 1 Polish and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.18 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.1.10.1Roundtable and recommendations on the role and activities of the SAPC (new activity based on the request of the BC)Month 14No delayRoundtable discussion on guidelines with MPs.Roundtable discussion on guidelines with relevant staff membersRecommendations concerning the role and activities of the SAPC prepared 1 Hungarian and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.15 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.2Strengthening the involvement of the Committees in the SAA process4.2.1Assessment and guidelines on the role and functioning of the Committees in the SAA processMonth 12No delayQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity.Interviews with MPs (chairperson and members of the Committee on European Integration)Interviews with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Guidelines report drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.3 Hungarian and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.14 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S4.2.2Training on the role of the Committees in the EU accession processMonth 161 monthTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive seminar organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian, 1 Croatian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.30 BC participantsBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.2.3Workshop for the Committee for Economic Development, Infrastructure, Trade and Industry on the key issues of the SAA processMonth 226 monthsTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining report elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.13 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.2.4Workshop for the Committee for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Spatial Planning on key issues of the SAA processMonth 15No delayTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining report elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.10 participantsBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.2.5Workshop for the Committee on Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth, Sports, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (addressee of the workshop changed in agreement with the BC)Month 222 monthsTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining report elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.8 participantsBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S4.2.6Workshop for the Committee on Legislation, Mandates, Immunities, Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and Oversight of the Anti-Corruption Agency on key issues of the SAA processMonth 217 monthsTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessionsTraining report elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian and 1 Portuguese expert conducted the activity.10 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.2.7Roundtable discussions and recommendations to strengthen the involvement of the Committees in the SAA processMonth 211 monthRoundtable discussion on guidelines with MPs.Roundtable discussions on guidelines with relevant staff members and MPsRecommendations prepared to strengthen the involvement of the Committees in the SAA process3 Hungarian and 1 Croatian expert conducted the activity.23 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.3Improving the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the EU integration process4.3.1Assessment on the involvement of the civil society in parliamentary activities related to European integration processMonth 131 monthQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity.Interviews with MPs.Interviews with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Interviews with Government and civil society representatives.Assessment report drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.2 Hungarian and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.13 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S4.3.2Guidelines to improve the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the European integration processMonth 14No delayInterviews and discussion on assessment report and all development in the meantime with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Set of guidelines for improvement drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.2 Hungarian and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.13 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.3.3Roundtable workshop and recommendations to improve the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the EU integration processMonth 202 monthsRoundtable meeting on guidelines with MPs.Roundtable meeting on guidelines with relevant staff membersRecommendations drafted to improve the role of the Assembly in raising the general awareness on the EU integration process.2 Hungarian and 1 Latvian expert conducted the activity.26 partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS4.4Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 4 for strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other committees related to the supervision and support of the SAA processMonth 3-21No delayCoordination of the activities related to the coherence of strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other committees in the supervision and support of the SAA process and the independent functioning of the AssemblyOn-the-job training to staff dealing with the committees Recommendations related to strengthening the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and the other committees in the supervision and support of the SAA process and the independent functioning of the Assembly are elaboratedRecommendations for maximising project outputs are elaboratedMTE conducted the activity.Continuous consultations with the BC providedContribution to activities of Component 4 ensuredThe benchmark was fully completed.HSC O M P O N E N T 5STRENGTHENING THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE MPS RELATED TO THE TASKS OF THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS Administration of the Assembly strategically and effectively supports the MPs, through strengthened administrative structures responsible for European integration tasks and improved research activitiesThe Project elaborated and introduced the necessary recommendations. Everyday functioning requires longer timeframe.HSThe adequate administrative set-up for effective support to the MPs in European integration tasks is elaborated.The benchmark was fully completed.HSResearch capabilities of the administrative staff are strengthened compared to baseline based on upgraded procedures and practices.The Project elaborated and introduced the necessary recommendations in the form of a Manual. Continuous coaching to the staff was provided.HS5.15.1.1Assessment on the current activities of the administrative structures responsible for the European integration tasksMonth 4No delayQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity.Interviews with heads of services and other senior staff.Interviews with MPsAssessment report drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.1 Hungarian, 1 Croatian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.15 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS5.1.2Training on EU best practices on the European integration tasks of parliamentary administrationsMonth 7No delayTraining materials elaborated and disseminated to the participants of the training.Interactive workshop organized with presentations and Q&A sessions.Training manual elaborated and disseminated among the participants and other interested MPs and staff of the BC.1 Hungarian, 1 Croatian, 1 Belgian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.High BC participation was ensured (30 participants)By finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS5.1.3Study visit to Poland on the European integration tasks of parliamentary administration and legal approximationMonth 9No delayStudy visit programme discussed with the BC team.BC participants to be trained and informed on the relevant procedures in the MS.Mission report drafted by the participants and identification of the most relevant mechanisms to be transposed in BC.11 BC Officials participated in the activityDetailed mission report was prepared by the participants and sent to the MSThe benchmark was fully completed.HS5.1.4Guidelines to develop the activities of the administrative structures responsible for the European integration tasksMonth 10No delayInterviews and discussion on assessment report and all development in the meantime with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Set of guidelines for improvement drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.2 Hungarian, 1 Croatian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.10 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS5.1.5Roundtable discussions on the guidelines and recommendations to develop the activities of the administrative structures responsible for the European integration tasksMonth 13, 23No delayRoundtable discussion on guidelines with relevant staff membersRecommendations prepared for adequate administrative set-up for effective support to the MPs in European integration tasks1 Hungarian, 1 Croatian and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity.23 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS5.1.6Support to the administrative structures to update the strategy on international and inter-parliamentary cooperation in light of the SAA (new activitity based on the request of the BC)Month 17, 21No delayInterviews and discussion on the international relations with relevant heads of services and other senior staff.Recommendations for a draft strategy for international relations and interparliamentary cooperation drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC.3 Hungarian experts conducted the activity.10 BC partners were consultedBy finishing the activity, the reports of the activity were sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS5.2Improving and enhancing the research activities5.2.1Developing guidelines to European integration related research activitiesMonth 4No delayQuestionnaire prepared by MS experts and filled in by BC staff in advance to the activity to see developments since the conclusion of the first twinning project.Interviews with heads of services and other senior staff.Interviews with MPsSet of guidelines drawn up by the MS experts in consultation with the authorities of the BC. 1 Hungarian, 1 Northern Irish and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity. 15 BC partners were consulted. By finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.S5.2.2Coaching to the preparation of research papers assisting the decision-making of various Assembly groupsMonths 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24No delayCoaching activity performed ten times by STEs to contribute to the preparation of ten research papersJoint research activities executed with the BC staffApplication of guidelines prepared in activity 5.2.1 and EU best practices3 Hungarian, 1 UK House of Lords, 1 Northern Irish and 1 Polish expert conducted the activity. 6 BC partners were regularly consulted.10 research papers and a manual were elaborated By finishing the activity, the report of the activity was sent to BC.The benchmark was fully completed.HS5.2.3Internship for research staff to Hungary on the preparation of research papersMonth 162 monthsInternship programme discussed with the BC team.BC participants to be trained and informed on the relevant procedures in the MS.Mission report drafted by the participants on identification of the most relevant mechanisms to be transposed in BC.2 BC staff members participated in the delegationThe participants drafted the detailed mission report.The benchmark was fully completed.HS5.3Activities of the Medium Term Expert in Component 5 for strengthening the administrative support to the MPs related to the tasks of the European integration processMonth 4 21No delayCoordination of the activities related to the coherence of the administrative support to the MPs in the tasks of the European integration process and the independent functioning of the AssemblyCoaching to staff dealing with European affairs and research Recommendations related to the administrative support to the MPs in the tasks of the European integration process and the independent functioning of the Assembly are elaboratedRecommendations for maximising project outputs are elaboratedMTE conducted the activity.Continuous consultations with the BC providedContribution to activities of Component 5 ensuredThe benchmark was fully completed.HSSection 3: ExpenditureAnnex 2: ExpendituresPlease find the Final Financial Report - Twinning Project KS 14 IB OT 01 in a separate file.Date28 May 2018For the administration of the Member State…………………………………………………………..Mr Zoltán HorváthMS Project LeaderHungarian National AssemblyFor the administration of the BC……………………………………………………………...Mr Ismet KrasniqiBC Project LeaderKosovo Assembly ................
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