In this issue:

- 2011 Progress Report underlines challenges ahead for Kosovo

Kosovo continues to work in aligning the legislation with European standards, but challenges remain as to implementation, Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement, said at the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee in Brussels while presenting the Enlargement Package on 12 October. The Progress Report for Kosovo has identified progress in a number of areas. The coordination of the European agenda in Kosovo has significantly improved. Judicial reform has continued satisfactorily and important judicial institutions are in place. However, many challenges remain in important areas. Further action is needed from Kosovo to improve the fields of public administration, electoral reform, the judiciary and the economy. The Progress Report was handed over to Kosovo institutions by Pierre Mirel, Director for the Western Balkans in the European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement. The Acting Head of the EC Liaison Office Khaldoun Sinno discussed the findings with the civil society in Pristina and in northern Mitrovica.

- EC supports Cross-Border Cooperation between Kosovo and Albania

Kosovo and Albania have signed a cross-border cooperation agreement funded by the European Commission. The agreement will come to life in the form of grants to the municipalities, schools and civil society in south Kosovo and northern Albania. Kosovo and Albania will benefit EUR 1.2 million each to implement the agreement. Khaldoun Sinno, Acting Head of EC Liaison Office said: "A better life for citizens on both sides of the border is the aim of this project." - Kosovo Police provides special rooms for children Interviewing

Kosovo Police has continued with its reforms to strengthen protection mechanism for children in contact with the justice system. A series of Kosovo Police Child Friendly Interview Rooms were inaugurated at the end of October. This was an initiative developed as part of the wider Joint EU and UNICEF programme to support Juvenile Justice System reforms. The second phase of the programme aims at ensuring that children in conflict with the law are treated in line with international standards. - EU inaugurates a modern sports and culture facilities in Novobërdë/Novo Brdo

The EU completed works on a new sports and cultural centre in the village of Llabjan/Labljane, municipality of Novobërdë/Novo Brdo. The centre will host a number of sports and other cultural activities starting from November. The project implemented construction work of EU standards, and now provides a modern facility for the community. The construction of the centre is part of a larger infrastructure scheme, financed through the European Commission IPA 2007 programme.

- EU provides more assistance to the housing of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian families

The EC Liaison Office is continuing its support to Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian families in Mitrovica Municipality. A further 14 families moved to their new homes bringing the total number of housed families to 65 with 253 men, women, and children. The EC Liaison Office is cooperating with the Ministry of Community and Returns and the Mitrovica Municipality to close down the lead contaminated camps in north Mitrovica. - Qualifications in Kosovo aim European standards

The Ministry of Education Science and Technology together with the EC Liaison Office and the Kosovo Qualifications Authority have presented a new system for approving qualifications which aim to meet European standards. Qualifications will now be approved within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), after they have been assessed and awarded by accredited institutions. An EU-funded project, EU KOSVET V, has been supporting the Authority also during validation and accreditation procedures. More scholarships awarded to Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian students Thirty-nine scholarships have been awarded to Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) students as part of efforts to improve education amongst this community. An EU-funded project has strong cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology who have together raised the number of beneficiary students to a total of 220. The project facilitates better access to education, and preserving and promoting the RAE cultural heritage.

- Prizren hosts first Regional Cultural Heritage Centre in the Balkans

The first Regional Cultural Heritage Centre in the Balkans opened in Prizren, in the old municipality Beledije building. The Centre, which has been refurbished with EU funds, will offer accredited training programmes in the field of cultural heritage, for all types of professionals across the region in line with EU and international standards & based on a multi-disciplinary approach. The inauguration ceremony was organised in the framework of the European Heritage Days.

- EU supports 2011 Pristina Jazz Festival

The EC Liaison Office is supporting 2011 Pristina Jazz Festival. The 7th edition of the festival started with Kosovo-based artist Vigan Kuci, who performed for the first time for the jazz audience in Pristina. Among other performers were Ferit Odman (Turkey), Marco Bardoscia (Italy), Robert Jukic (Slovenia), Ferenc & Magnus Mehl quartet.

For further information:

European Commission Liaison Office Kosovo Str. 1, P.O. Box 311 Pristina 10000

W: www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/kosovo