ANALYSIS REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ORDER COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO AS AN AUXILIARY INSTRUMENT TO A SPEEDY REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION Albania was one of the rst countries to recognize the independence of Kosovo on February 17, 2008. On February 19, 2008, the two countries established diplomatic relations. Bilateral cooperation is guided by the mutual interest to deepen political, economic, social, and cultural relations, and to foster the EU integration process. In the past few years, the partnership between Albania and Kosovo has been developing through the organization of regular government-to-government(G2G) meetings, expanding the exchange of goods and services, strengthening cross border cooperation, creating a regional network of energy, transport etc. Antonela Dhimolea April 2023 Despite the good political will, it’s clear that not all agreements have been implemented. Some reasons for the delay are complicated bureaucratic procedures, lack of respective mechanisms and human resources capacities, lack of investments and funds, and repetitive changes in internal ministerial structures. 1

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG- VRAPIMI ME PENGESA REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ORDER COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO AS AN AUXILIARY INSTRUMENT TO A SPEEDY REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION 2

Regional cooperation is a keystone of peace, stability, security and socio-economic prosperity in the Western Balkans as well as an indispensable tool towards EU integration. The tangible achievements attained in the regional cooperation so far highlight the positive trend of growth of the WB6 and the region's transformation not only from a security and stability perspective but also by getting closer to the goals of the Common Regional Market(CRM), which remains a solid basis for regional economic integration. The opening of the EU accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, the decision on visa liberalization for Kosovo, the latter's application for the EU membership, as well as the granting of candidate status to Sarajevo are crucial steps in bringing the entire region closer to the European Union. Moreover, the resolution of pending issues in the Western Balkans is essential to ensuring stability, sustainable development and the future progress of EU integration. A constructive approach in regional cooperation and the strengthening of good neighbourly relations, in particular with Kosovo, are main priorities of Albania's foreign policy, which intends to be a strong promoter of regional cooperation, playing a continuous, dynamic and moderate role in the Western Balkans. Accordingly, Albania is fully engaged in this strategy by actively participating in regional meetings and by initiating meeting formats such as the G2G (Government to Government) with Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, or others like trilateral meetings between Albania, Croatia and Montenegro, or Albania, Italy and Serbia. AN OVERVIEW OF BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH KOSOVO Political dialogue is a vital mechanism in relations between two countries. Albania was one of the rst countries to recognize the independence of Kosovo on February 17, 2008, while on February 19, 2008 the two countries established diplomatic relations. Bilateral cooperation is guided by the mutual interest to deepen political, economic, social and cultural relations, and to foster the EU integration process. This cooperation is considered strategic, and it's headed towards the consolidation of regional cooperation, (including regional economic integration) as well as towards an Euro-Atlantic perspective. Meanwhile, frequent high-level visits and other forms of contact have clearly reaf rmed the mutual political will for closer cooperation in all areas. Albania's stance on Kosovo’s political priorities Albania fully supports Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration and its goal to extend its presence in regional cooperation. In this respect, Albania is working closely with Kosovo to advance recognitions by more UN member states, and for Kosovo to become a member of regional and international organizations. The further increase of joint diplomatic missions aims to focus cooperation on the development of economic diplomacy as a primary need for both countries. With regard to the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Albania fully endorses its restart, in coordination with Kosovo's strategic partners, the United States of America and the European Union. The nal result should lead to a binding legal agreement, which enables mutual recognition between the two countries, Kosovo's membership in the UN and the EU, as well as fair treatment of minorities, in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo. Albania assesses that liberalization of visas for citizens of the Republic of Kosovo and advancement of EU integration agenda will bring sustainable progress in the country, and will improve the quality of life. Kosovo's stance on Albania’s political priorities Kosovo fully supports Albania’s EU integration process and its goals in regional cooperation. On the other hand, it strongly opposes the“Open Balkan” initiative launched by Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia, considering it “Serbia’s project”. OUTCOMES OF JOINT GOVERNMENTAL MEETINGS WITH KOSOVO In the past few years, the partnership between Albania and Kosovo has been developing through the organization 3

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG- COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO of regular government-to-government(G2G) meetings. The term de nes interactions between governments, usually at national level. The two countries have held eight such G2G meetings based on this model since 2014, which on the ground have resulted in a new roadmap on intensifying political dialogue, expanding exchange of goods and services, strengthening cross-border cooperation, creating a regional network of energy, transport and telecommunications, facilitating movement of people and capital as well as exchange in the areas of education, scienti c research and culturale. The meetings clearly show the political will by both parties to advance bilateral cooperation based on the agreements signed. A total of 144 agreements have been signed, the most important one being the Document of Strategic Partnership signed in the rst G2G meeting, in 2014, in Prizren. Agreements mostly encourage uni cation of markets, removal of trade barriers, cooperation in the eld of culture, education, tourism, infrastructure, telecommunication, energy interconnection etc. It should be noted that these bilateral agreements are a crucial premise on promoting the establishment of Common Regional Market within the Berlin Process framework. In the political eld, the two governments have agreed to establish joint diplomatic and consular missions as well as a common fund for the Preshevo Valley. Despite the situation caused by COVID-19, both countries have continued without interruption their economic cooperation and import-export trade exchanges, marking an increase in exchange rates. To illustrate this, in 2014 the import-export trade exchange volume was€160 million, while in 2022 it increased to€433 million. The two parties aim at reaching€1 billion. There are currently 1225 companies from Kosovo operating in Albania, 1081 of them owned by Kosovar citizens and 145 with shared ownership. Despite a recent increase in investments, current gures are not satisfactory and mutual investments should be further expanded. The last G2G meeting in June 2022 saw the signing of 19 agreements in a number of areas, the most important ones being those on customs and social protection. Both agreements aim to further strengthen the ongoing successful economic and trade cooperation and push forward the common vision of improving the well-being of citizens in both countries. The agreement on customs cooperation includes the establishment of a joint working group focusing on evaluating the factors that in uence the development of opportunities for customs union. Furthermore, the joint working group will draft a cost-bene t study, an action plan detailing the following steps to be taken by the Kosovo-Albania customs union. The main objective of the agreement on social security is the provision of social protection for citizens living in both countries, enabling them to realize their rights such as pensions for elderly, family pensions, work disability pensions, and pensions from individual pension savings fund. Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama stated during the G2G meeting in June 2022 that the construction of the Pristina-Durres railway has started. Additionally, both scienti c academies will start their joint work on an Albanian encyclopedia. Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti underlined his country's brotherly relations with Albania, and noted that out of a myriad of 125 agreements signed between the two countries only 75 were fully implemented. IMPLEMENTATION OF AGREEMENTS Despite the good political will, it’s clear that not all agreements have been implemented and some of them should be renegotiated because deadlines have passed. Some reasons for the delay are complicated bureaucratic procedures, lack of respective mechanisms and human resources capacities, lack of investments and funds, and repetitive changes in internal ministerial structures, their competencies and staff.“Some of agreements have been implemented, some of them are being implemented, some of them have been stalled", PM Rama stated in November 2021. When all bilateral agreements signed in G2G meetings are considered, among those implemented which have major impact are: the opening of a Kosovo customs point in the Port of Durres(the government of Albania recently passed the agreement on mutual facilitation of customs procedures in the Port of Durres); the lifting of roaming tariffs; the implementation of joint border control; the payment of expenses during operations performed at the joint border crossing point Morinë/Kukës(Vërmicë/Prizren); the mutual recognition of drivers' licenses etc. In addition, the 5 agreements signed in the 7th G2G meeting(November 2021), which include agreements that allow citizens living in Kosovo to bene t from maternity leave, accidents at work, elderly, disability or family pensions in both countries, are fully implemented. Likewise, the agreement on easing procedures and conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Kosovo and Albania, as well as the agreement on social security are also being implemented. Whereas regarding 5 5 4

the agreement on cooperation in the eld of agriculture, models for food safety certi cates issued by AKU have been de ned and are currently being implemented. Therefore, agreements on the implementation of customs facilities and avoidance of double taxation are helping to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the two countries and increase economic development. However, there is much more potential to bene t from. Various agreements are signed in the eld of education, but the level of implementation remains low due to bureaucracy in both countries. In this respect, the cooperation agreement for the uni cation of curricula in the pre-university education system in the Republic of Albania and Republic of Kosovo signed in 2014 has not been implemented yet. As a result, Albania and Kosovo still have different curricula. As for the agreement on cooperation in the eld of youth signed in Peja in November 2018 between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Albania, its implementation period ended in November 2021. In addition, some agreements in the process of implementation are: 1. The inter-ministerial agreement on cooperation for the joint nancing and organization of teaching Albanian language and culture in diaspora(it’s expected to be rati ed by the Parliament of Kosovo); 2. The inter-ministerial cooperation agreement for institutional coordination on the progress and professional development of teachers in pre-university education; 3. The cooperation agreement in the eld of higher education and scienti c research; 4. The agreement between the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo on cooperation in the eld of youth; 5. The memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Education of Albania and the Ministry of Culture of Kosovo on establishing a joint basketball league; 6. The memorandum of cooperation between Albania and Kosovo on a joint digital platform for pre-university education; 7. The co- nancing agreement between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo for the feasibility study and project-idea for the Durrës-Prishtina railway connection. However, two protocols in the eld of security have been repealed because, being a NATO member, Albania cooperates with Kosovo in the eld of security in the framework of the organisation. These protocols are: 1. The Protocol between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force on cooperation in the eld of education and military training, signed in Tirana on July 16th, 2014, entered into force on the date of signing, was repealed on May 18th, 2021; 2. The Protocol between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry for the Security Force of Kosovo on cooperation and assistance in the eld of Euro-Atlantic and regional integration, signed in Tirana on July 16th, 2014, entered into force on the date of signing, was repealed on May 18th, 2021. Agreement on the transit regime of goods between Kosovo customs and Port of Durres The joint transit system with Kosovo enables businesses to start transit procedures in the territory of Albania or Kosovo, and nalize the transit in the other country (Kosovo or Albania), thus avoiding redundant border controls and signi cantly reducing time and costs for businesses involved in these transactions, including transport companies. The Ministry of Finance of Albania and the Ministry of Finance of Kosovo are in the process of adapting the respective legislation. One of the remaining issues is the provision of coverage with(bank) guarantees for customs duties that must be paid in case the goods are to be put in free circulation- what's called coverage modalities with a single guarantee. Another point that remains the focus of work for both countries' customs authorities are the necessary legal regulations on measures to be taken in case of violations or irregularities, procedures for their identi cation and imposition of penalties, exchange of information between authorities in cases of change of customs of ces of transit (entry/exit) as well as provisions related to control and supervision by both persons and economic operators as well as relevant customs authorities. Political agreements There are 21 agreements and protocols in the area of foreign policy, aiming at the strengthening of political cooperation by establishing and consolidating mechanisms that foster collaboration and manage human resources and infrastructural capacities. A number of these agreements have not been implemented yet due to lack of joint mechanisms and nancing. In this regard, the cooperation protocol establishing an intergovernmental coordinating secretariat was 5

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG- COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO implemented, and Mr. Gentian Sala was appointed head of the joint secretariat. Whereas the term for the implementation of another document is already over: the Cooperation Protocol between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo on the implementation of the agreement for strategic cooperation in the foreign policy area regarding representation of common diplomatic interests, signed on April 23, 2020. The Cooperation agreement in the area of consular representation has yielded tangible results in some cases, through consular representations in common buildings in some states where the number of Albanian citizens(from both countries) is high: Canberra/Australia, Milan/Italy, Bari/Italy, Copenhagen/Denmark, Munich/Germany. Joint diplomatic representation is currently operational in Canberra, and the same goes for the joint consular service in Milan. However, the full implementation of the Cooperation agreement between the two ministries would require a network of joint representation that expands into more countries. Again, in the framework of the Agreement on strategic cooperation in the area of foreign policy, the Joint Council for Strategic Planning was founded in Prizren in January 2022, with the aim of de ning long-term priorities and joint positions of national importance in areas of foreign policy and diplomacy. The Agreement between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo on the establishment of a working group to set up a joint fund in support of the Presheva Valley is still in its implementation phase. The purpose of this agreement is the establishment of the working group that would de ne the operation of the Common Fund for Presheva Valley, which aims at the nancial support of projects in the three municipalities where the majority of ethnic Albanians live in the south of Serbia. The proposal for the creation of a working group that would implement the agreement was put forward by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania. A similar agreement on another working group that would establish a joint fund to support Albanians in Montenegro also aims at designing the operation of the Common Fund for Albanians in Montenegro, which would nancially support projects for ethnic Albanians living in Montenegro. Ministries of both countries have agreed on the establishment of the working group and the functionalization of the fund in order to implement the agreement. The protocol of action between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo on the consular representation of the Republic of Albania in Struga, North Macedonia is currently being implemented. This represents one of the good examples of joint representation between Kosovo and Albania. The Consulate in Struga is now ready to operate, procedures have been completed and work is underway to send the consular personnel. COOPERATION ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION- THE BERLIN PROCESS Besides their bilateral cooperation, Albania and Kosovo are also closely cooperating under the roof of the Berlin Process and the Western Balkan Investment Framework(WBIF). The WBIF has endorsed 43 projects since 2009, of which€3.2 billion are estimated as investments in the public sector in Albania, while Kosovo has received€1.7 billion to support 30 projects. The WBIF has recently provided a€300,000 EU grant for the pre-feasibility study of the Albania-Kosovo pipeline project. The nal aim through the study, which was completed, is to enable gasi cation of Albania and Kosovo, and provide steadfast natural gas supplies to both countries. As regards the connectivity agenda in the eld of energy, Albania and Kosovo have two interconnection lines: Interconnection line 220 KWh Fierza(Albania)- Prizren(Kosovo), and Interconnection line 400 KWh Tirana(Albania)- Pristina (Kosovo). They are both operational. Furthermore, the successful implementation of the Regional Roaming Agreement of July 2021 was succeeded by the signing of the EU-WB Roaming Declaration of Tirana(EU-WB Summit), aiming at the reduction of roaming costs between the EU and the Western Balkans starting from October 2023, and headed toward full removal afterwards. In compliance with the digital agenda, the Digital Summit of the Berlin Process was held in Prishtina on September 21-22, 2022. Albania was represented in the summit by its Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, who attended the opening ceremony together with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, senior leaders of the European 6

Commission, as well as the German State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Digitalization. The conclusions of the fth Digital Summit recon rmed the commitment of the Western Balkans and the European Union to further cooperate in the digital transformation of the region, development of digital infrastructure, digital skills, innovative and reliable services as well as increasing digital security. Additionally, the WB6 agreements on free movement, recognition of IDs for all citizens of the region, and mutual recognition of university diplomas and professional quali cations shows the good spirit of cooperation among the countries. The shared approach of Kosovo and Albania during the negotiation process leading to agreements was a clear sign of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries. Kosovo was able to negotiate the language used in the agreement, and most importantly the use of the asterisk only in the preamble- an encouraging achievement for Kosovo's diplomacy in regional cooperation. These agreements constitute milestones in ful lling the WB countries' commitment to establish a Common Regional Market, as a fundamental step towards the European single market. That's why the EU is encouraging the WB partners to ratify them swiftly. Accordingly, Albania and Kosovo should proceed with rati cation, in order to have their citizens bene t as soon as possible from the agreements. All the above achievements considered, the Berlin Process should serve as a driving force to increase regional economic integration and the credibility of the Western Balkans commitment on the EU accession path. Its de ned goals should foster the region’s ambition for integration into the European Economic Area. The EU's new Energy Support Package(€1 billion in grants and€2.5 billion in investments) will assist the Western Balkans to mitigate consequences of the energy crisis and accelerate energy transition in the region. Likewise, full implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan(EIP) and the Green and Digital Agendas for the Western Balkans will further advance regional economic integration, including the connectivity agenda, energy transition and goals of the Common Regional Market. Noting that the EIP investment package in the region is about€30 billion, comprised of€9 billion in grant funding from IPA III and up to€20 billion in investments, Albania and Kosovo should strengthen their cooperation in order to successfully ful ll their obligations in the framework of the Berlin process and the WBIF. Both countries should continue to cooperate on the implementation of the Action Plan for a Common Regional Market (CRM) 2021-2024, focused on 4 key areas: 1. Regional trade area: free movement of goods, services, capital and people; 2. Regional investment area; 3. Regional digital area; 4. Regional industrial and innovation area. It’s evident that an integrated market of 18 million people, opportunities for more and better jobs as well as traveling, studying and doing business without barriers in the region would de nitely lead to economic growth and improvement of living conditions in the Western Balkans, including Albania and Kosovo. In this view, relations between Albania and Kosovo should be considered as an explicit part of the wider prospect of regional cooperation. The successful organization of the Tirana EU-WB Summit and Pristina Digital Summit in 2022 showed a high pro le of both countries as important players in regional cooperation. This year, Albania holds the Chairmanship in Of ce of the Berlin Process and it will be holding the upcoming Berlin Process Summit in Tirana. Although the two countries stand divided on their positions regarding the Open Balkan initiative, further and frankly cooperation between them will advance the future and promising perspective of the regional economic integration. GLOSSARY OF THE ABBREVIATIONS CRM-COMMON REGIONAL MARKET WBIF-WESTERN BALKANS INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK G2G-GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT WB-WESTERN BALKANS LIST OF AGREEMENTS (G2G meetings 2014-2022) 1.Framework agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in promoting and facilitating trade, signed in Prizren on 11.1.2014, entered into force on 11.3.2015. 2.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo, in the elds of transport and infrastructure, signed in Prizren, on 11.1.2014, entered into force on the date of signing. 3.Joint Declaration on Cooperation and Strategic Partnership between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Prizren, on 11.1.2014. 4.Tourism cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism of the Republic of Albania 76

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG- COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Tirana, on 6.2.2014, entered into force on the date of signing. 5.Action Protocol between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo regarding the consular representation of the Republic of Albania in Canberra and the Republic of Kosovo in Milan, signed in Pristina, on 14.3.2014, entered into force on the date of signature. 6.Agreement between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo regarding the Status of Members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania and the Security Force of the Republic of Kosovo during their temporary stay in the territory of the respective states, signed in Prizren on 1.7.2013, entered into force on 25.3.2014. 7.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania(Represented by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Albania) and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo(Represented by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kosovo) on the exemption from value added tax in import of books, book-related products, newspapers, magazines, periodicals as well as similar press materials published in the Republic of Albania or the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Pristina on 28.3.2014, entered into force on 20.6.2014. 8.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the avoidance of double taxation related to income and capital taxes and for the prevention of scal evasion, signed in Pristina, on 28.3.2014, entered into effective on 11.3.2015. 9.Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Kosovo, for cooperation in the eld of spatial planning, housing and construction, signed in Pristina, on 15.4.2014, entered into effective date of signature. 10.Protocol between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Force on cooperation in the eld of education and military training, signed in Tirana on 16.7.2014, entered into force on the date of signing.(repealed on 18.5. 2021) 11.Protocol between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry for the Security Force of Kosovo on cooperation and assistance in the eld of Euro-Atlantic and regional integration, signed in Tirana, on 16.7.2014, entered into force on the date of signing.(repealed on 18.5.2021) 12.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Kosovo for the establishment of the Technical Commission for the translation of EU legislation into the Albanian language, as well as cooperation in the eld of approximation of legislation, signed on 26.3.2014 and entered into force on the date of signature. 13.Cooperation agreement between Post Of ce Albanian SH.A. and Kosovo Post Of ce S.A., signed on 10.11.2014, entered into force on the date of signing. 14.Cooperation agreement between the General Directorate of Archives of the Republic of Albania and the State Agency of Archives of Kosovo, signed on 3.12.2014. 15.Additional protocol for the intensi cation of cooperation in the ght against human traf cking and for improving the identi cation, noti cation, referral and assisted voluntary return of victims and potential victims of traf cking, in particular of children in addition to the agreement between Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo"On cross-border police cooperation", signed in Pristina on 12.6.2012, entered into force on 11.7.2012. 16.Cooperation agreement between the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety and the Police Academy of Albania, signed on 26.11.2014, entered into force on the day of signing. 17.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for mutual cooperation in the eld of security, signed on 23.3.2015. 18.Protocol between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo "On the Implementation of the Framework Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in promoting and facilitating trade", signed on 23.3..2015, entered into force on the same date. 19.Joint Declaration between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on Cooperation in the Field of Regional Development in the Albania-Kosovo Cross-Border Areas, signed on 23.3.2015. 20.Memorandum between the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of agriculture and rural development, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force date of signature. 21.Memorandum of Understanding for Strengthening Cooperation between the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on the date of signing. 22.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Kosovo for the joint organization of learning the Albanian language and Albanian culture in the Diaspora and 8

and in Mergat, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on the date of signing. 23.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Kosovo for institutional coordination for the progress and professional development of teachers in pre-university education, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on of signature. 24.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Kosovo in the eld of higher education and scienti c research, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on the date of signing. 25.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo and the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on the date of signing. 26.Protocol between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo for immediate cross-border follow-up, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on the date of signing. 27.Protocol between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo on the joint use of equipment for border control, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on 22.4.2015. 28.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo on Strengthening Cooperation in the eld of internal control, signed on 23.3.2015, entered into force on the same date. 29.Cooperation agreement between the General Directorate of Standardization of the Republic of Albania and the Kosovo Standardization Agency of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 31.7.2015, entered into force on the date of signing. 30.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of youth, signed in Pristina, on 14.7.2015, entered into force on the date of signing. 31.Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in Tirana and Pristina and the British Council in the framework of cooperation for the implementation of the project"Project for digital diplomacy Digital Albania and Kosovo", signed on 14.12.2015. 32.Memorandum of cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Tirana, on 6.1.2016. 33.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, represented by the Ministry of Economic Development, for the exchange and/or sharing of the regulatory reserve between the Transmission System Operator OST sh.a. and System, Transmission and Market Operator- KOSTT sh.a., signed in Tirana, on 30.3.2016, entered into force on the date of signing. 34.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the promotion and mutual protection of investments, signed on 3.5.2016, entered into force on 21.2.2020. 35.Protocol of the meeting of the Joint Committee between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo on the international road transport of passengers and goods, signed in Tirana, on 27.4.2016. 36.Joint declaration between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 37.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kosovo in the eld of administrative, tax and customs investigations, signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 38.Agreement between the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kosovo for the establishment of a joint training center, signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 39.Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of environmental protection and sustainable development, signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 40.Cooperation agreement between the Minister of State for Innovation and Public Administration of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Public Administration of the Republic of Kosovo for capacity building in the implementation of reforms in the eld of good governance and public administration, signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 41.Agreement between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Kosovo on the mutual recognition of the road vehicle tachograph test/calibration certi cate, signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 42.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Energy and Industry of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Kosovo, 9

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG- COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 43.Partnership Agreement between the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Albania, which acts as a leader, and the Ministry of Local Government Administration, which acts as a partner in the management of technical assistance in the IPA II Program of Cross-Border Cooperation Albania-Kosovo 2014-2020, signed in Pristina, on 3.6.2016. 44.Cooperation Memorandum for the organization of joint traf c policing services of the Albanian State Police and the Kosovo Police, in the territory of the Republic of Albania, signed on 30.6.2016, entered into force on the date of signing. 45.Joint Procedure for the organization of border control services of the Albanian State Police and the Kosovo Police at the Border Crossing Point(Morinë- Vermicë) in the respective territories, signed on 7.7.2016, entered into force on the date of signing. 46.Memorandum on cooperation in the eld of geology, between the Geological Service of the Republic of Albania and the Geological Service of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 12.12.2016. 47. Cooperation agreement between the National Agency for Computer Security of the Republic of Albania and the National Cyber Security Unit of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Tirana, on 24.11.2016. 48.Memorandum of Cooperation between the Directorate of the State Police in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the General Directorate of the Police of Kosovo in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation during the 2016 tourist season, signed on 27.7.2016 and Annex of Article 2 of this Memorandum, signed on 10.8.2016. 49.Cooperation agreement between the People's Advocate of the Republic of Albania and the People's Advocate of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Pristina, on 7.3.2016. 50.Memorandum of Cooperation for the Organization of Joint Traf c Policing Services, between the Kosovo Police and the Albanian State Police, in the territory of the Republic of Albania, signed on 30.6.2017, entered into force upon signature. 51.Memorandum of Understanding between the Services of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania and the Administration of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 26.5.2017. 52.Cooperation-twinning agreement between the National Historical Museum and the Museum of Kosovo, signed on 9.10.2014, entered into force on the date of signing. 53.Cooperation agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the joint nancing and organization of learning the Albanian language and Albanian culture in the Diaspora, signed on 27.11.2017. 54.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on cooperation in the eld of Diaspora, signed on 27.11.2017. 55.Cooperation agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for cultural centers in the Diaspora, signed on 27.11.2017. 56.Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of foreign policy, signed on 27.11.2017. 57.Cooperation Agreement Between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo within the framework of membership in the European Union, signed on 27.11.2017, entered into force on 19.2.2018. 58.Memorandum of cooperation between the Prime Minister's Of ce of the Republic of Albania and the Of ce of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo for the exchange of experiences and cooperation for the implementation of better regulation and impact assessment and for the improvement of policy development practices, signed on 27.11. 2017, entered into force on the date of signature. 59.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on the validation of the insurance periods for realizing the right to a pension, signed on 27.11.2017, entered into force on 1.12.2018. 60.Memorandum of understanding between the Albanian Investment Development Agency(AIDA) and the Agency for Investment and Enterprise Support in Kosovo(KIESA), signed on 27.11.2017, entered into force on the date of signing. 61.Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 27.11.2017, entered into force on the date of signing. 62.Protocol for technical cooperation in the eld of agriculture between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of the Republic of Kosovo for the bilateral recognition of veterinary certi cates and products of animal and non-animal origin, signed on 27.11.2017, entered into force on the date of signing. 63.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of environmental protection and sustainable development, signed on 27.11.2017, entered into force on signature. 64.Memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the 10

creation and operation of the Albanian electricity exchange between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 27.11.2017, entered into force on the date of signing. 65.Cooperation Protocol based on the"Joint Declaration for cooperation and strategic partnership between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 11.1.2014" concluded between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 18.6.2018. 66.Memorandum of cooperation for the organization of joint traf c policing services between the Kosovo Police and the Albanian State Police, in the territory of the Republic of Albania, signed on 27.6.2018. 67.Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior, the General Directorate of the State Police, the Scienti c Police Institute of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Kosovo Agency for Forensics of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 26.7. 2018. 68.Protocol between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation during the summer tourist season at border crossing points, signed and entered into force on 21.7.2018. 69.Protocol between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation during the summer tourist season at border crossing points, signed on 21.7.2018, entered into force on the date of signing. 70.Memorandum of Cooperation between the State Health Inspectorate of the Republic of Albania and the Health Inspectorate of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 1.6.2018, entered into force on the day of signing. 71.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation, promoting business and informing the diaspora, signed in Pejë, on 26.11.2018. 72.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on the mutual recognition of driver's licenses/driving permits, signed in Pejë on 26.11.2018, entered into force on 16.05.2019. 73.Protocol between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kosovo for the performance of joint customs control activities at the common border crossing point Morinë-Vërmicë", signed in Pejë, on 26.11.2018, entered into force on 1.2.2019 74.Framework Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of the Republic of Kosovo, for cooperation in the eld of Public Debt, Foreign Financing and relations with International Financial Institutions, signed in Pejë, on 26.11.2018 75.Agreement on the removal of Roaming service prices for public mobile communications networks between the ministries responsible for the eld of electronic communications of the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2018, 76.Agreement between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Albania for cooperation in the eld of youth, signed in Pejë on 26.11.2018(expires on 26.11.2021) 77.Cooperation agreement in the eld of health between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Pejë, on 26.11.2018 78.Protocol between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of the Republic of Kosovo, for the bilateral recognition and uni cation of models of health, veterinary and phytosanitary certi cates that will accompany animal loads live animals, products of animal origin and plant products during import, export and transit between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Pejë, on 26.11.2018. 79.Declaration of common objectives for the establishment of the"Albania- Kosovo Bilateral Economic Chamber"signed in Pejë, on 26.11.2018. 80.Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency for Industrial Property of RKS and the General Directorate of Industrial Property of the Republic of Albania, signed in Pejë, on 26.11.2018 entered into force with signature. 81.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on the establishment of joint border crossing points between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo and the performance of joint border control activities, signed in Morina, on 29.12..2018, entered into force on 16.5.2019. 82.Annual joint cultural calendar between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, signed in Tirana, on 09.04.2019. 83.Agreement between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo on strategic cooperation in the eld of foreign policy, signed on 2.7.2019, entered into force on 18.9.2019. 84.Technical Agreement between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo regarding the training in the eld of military aviation of the personnel of the Kosovo Security Force at the air bases of the Armed Forces of the Republic of 11

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG- COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO Albania, signed on 13.1.2020. 85.Cooperation protocol between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo for the implementation of the agreement for strategic cooperation in the eld of foreign policy for the representation of common diplomatic interests, signed on 23.04.2020.(deadline has expired) 86.Implementation protocol in the eld of cultural diplomacy between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 23.04.2020. 87.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Kosovo for mutual support in the framework of the preparation for the opening of accession negotiations, signed on 23.04.2020. 88.Protocol for amendment and addition to the Cooperation Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, for mutual cooperation in the eld of security, signed in Tirana, on 2.10.2020. 89.Amending Protocol to the Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the avoidance of double taxation related to income and capital taxes and for the prevention of scal evasion, signed in Tirana, on 2.10.2020,entered into force on March 16, 2021. 90.Memorandum of cooperation between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on cooperation in the eld of railway transport, signed in Tirana on 2.10.2020, entered into force on 21 January 2021. 91.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on cooperation and mutual assistance in cases of natural disasters and other disasters, signed in Tirana on 2.10.2020, entered into force on 14 December 2020. 92.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo for the establishment of the Joint Basketball League of Kosovo and the Albanian Basketball Federation, signed and entered into force on 2.10.2020. 93.Additional protocol of the cooperation agreement in the eld of health between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kosovo, in the face of COVID 19, signed and entered into force on 2.10.2020. 94.Agreement between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo for the establishment of the working group for the creation of the joint fund in support of the Presheva Valley, signed and entered into effective on 2.10.2020. 95.Agreement for co-production of the lm between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 2.10.2020. 96.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 2.10.2020. 97.Joint annual cultural calendar, signed on 2.10.2020. 98.Memorandum of cooperation for the creation of the 5G digital corridor and the facilitation of movement in the future between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Economy and Environment of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 2.10.2020. 99.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of the Republic of Kosovo for mobility at work,signed and entered into force on 2.10.2020. Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kosovo for the joint digital platform of pre-university education, signed and entered into force on 2.10.2020. 100.Agreement between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo on the establishment of a working group for the creation of a joint fund to support Albanians in Montenegro, signed and entered into force on 4.12.2020. 101.Protocol of action between the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo for the consular representation of the Republic of Albania in Struga, North Macedonia, signed and entered into force on 4.12.2020. 102.Agreement between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo on cooperation in the eld of defense, signed and entered into force on 18.5.2021. 103.Cooperation agreement between the Institute of Statistics of the Republic of Albania(INSTAT) and the Statistics Agency of the Republic of Kosovo(ASK), signed and entered into force on June 7, 2021. 104.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the facilitation of procedures and conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit, signed on 26.11.2021, entered into force on 8 February 2022. 105.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the 12

Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on the rules of the local border traf c regime, signed on 26.11.2021, entered into force on 19 April 2022. 106.Agreement amending the Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the opening of the Common Border Crossing Point Krushevë(Dragash) Shishtavec(Kukës), signed on 26.11.2021, entered into force on 11.02.2022. 107.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters, signed on 26.11.2021, entered into force on 30 June 2022. 108.Cooperation agreement in the eld of agriculture between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2021. 109.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo for the construction of the Durrës-Prishtina railway link, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2021. 110.Agreement on social security between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 26.11.2021, entered into force on 1 July 2022. 111.Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the implementation of mutual facilities in customs and/or entry/exit control procedures of goods, signed on 26.11.2021, entered into force on 22.09. 2022. 112.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo in the eld of mutual recognition and uni cation of diplomas, certi cates and scienti c degrees issued by higher education institutions and other authorized institutions, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2021. 113.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo in the eld of cultural heritage and museums, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2021. 114.The joint annual cultural calendar between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2021. 115.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Finance, Labor and Transfers of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2021. 116.Cooperation protocol between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the establishment of the intergovernmental coordinating secretariat, signed and entered into force on 26.11.2021. 117.Cooperation agreement between the General Directorate of Archives of Albania and the State Agency of Archives of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 27.11.2021. 118.Cooperation agreement between the National Library of Albania and the"Pjeter Bogdani" National Library of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 27.11.2021. 119.Cooperation protocol between the National Theater of Opera, Ballet and People's Ensemble of the Republic of Albania and the Opera, Philharmonic, National Ballet of Kosovo and the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances "Shota" of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 27.11. 2021. 120.Cooperation agreement between the National Historical Museum and the National Museum of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 27.11.2021. 121.Cooperation agreement between the Apolonia National Archaeological Park and the Ulpiana Archaeological Park, signed and entered into force on 27.11.2021. 122.Cooperation program between the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo for the procedures for organizing the competition for the single common primer text, signed and entered into force on 21.12..2021. 123.Memorandum of cooperation between the Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education and the Kosovo Agency for Accreditation, signed and entered into force on 30.03.2022. 124.Cooperation agreement between the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data of the Republic of Albania and the Agency for Information and Privacy of the Republic of Kosovo, signed on 21.04.2022. 125.Co- nancing agreement between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo for the feasibility study and project idea for the Durrës-Prishtina railway connection, signed on 20.06.2022. 126.Administrative agreement for the implementation of the Agreement for social security between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 127.Protocol between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Kosovo for the implementation of joint border control and the payment of expenses during the works performed at the joint border crossing point Morinë/Kukës 13

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG- COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO (Vërmicë/Prizren), signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 128.Cooperation agreement in the eld of implementation of support programs for agriculture and rural development between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 129.Cooperation agreement for exchange of experiences in technical processes between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 130.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo for the admission of students to higher education institutions of the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered in force on 20.06.2022. 131.Agreement for cooperation in the eld of pharmaceuticals and medical devices between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 132.Agreement on cooperation in the eld of health for mutual cross-border service between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 133.Protocol between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo for the local border traf c regime in the border areas between the state border of the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 06.20..2022. 134.Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of civil status, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 135.Joint declaration of the Ministers of Justice of the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 136.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade of the Republic of Kosovo for the creation of a common digital platform for tourist information and promotion, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 137.Memorandum of understanding for the energy sector between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Kosovo, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 138.Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo for the assessment of the condition and improvement of the roads of the cross-border villages that connect the border areas of Albania-Kosovo, signed and entered into effective on 20.06.2022. 139.Agreement between the Minister of State for Youth and Children of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of youth, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 140.Cooperation agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for the co- nancing of the major project in albanology Enciklopedia Shqiptare, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 141.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation on the development of the Vlora LNG terminal, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 142.Agreement between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo for cooperation in the eld of Mountain Search and Rescue and territorial waters, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 143.Memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Finance, Labor and Transfers of the Republic of Kosovo for the establishment of a joint working group, signed and entered into force on 20.06.2022. 144.The Protocol between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Kosovo, for the Conduct of Joint Border Control Activities at the Joint Border Crossing Point Shishtavec (Kukës)- Krushevë(Dragash)- enters into force on date March 23, 2022. 14

ABOUT THE AUTHOR IMPRINT Antonela Dhimolea, is the senior diplomat/ Minister Councilor in the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania. She holds a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy from the University of Malta and has completed studies and training courses in international relations and diplomacy at“La Sapienza” University, the US George Marshall European center for security studies, as well as Diplomatic Academies of Croatia, Poland, India, Montenegro and Egypt. She also holds a certi cate of the Harvard University(HKS) “On US political Institutions; Congress, Presidency, Courts and Bureaucracy”. She is an expert in the regional cooperation and Asian issues. Foundation“Friedrich Ebert”| St.“Kajo Kara li”, Nd. 14, Entrance 2, 1st Floor| Tirana| Albania Responsible: Michael Weichert| Director of the“Friedrich Ebert” Foundation Tel:+355 4 22 509 86/ 733 06 https://tirana.fes.de/ Publications of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung may not be used for commercial reasons without the written approval of FES. The opinions, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily re ect those of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung or organizations for which the authors work. The opinions expressed in this paper represent the authors’ points of view which are not necessarily shared by the Albanian Authorities. 15

IMPRINT COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO AS AN AUXILIARY INSTRUMENT TO A SPEEDY REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION The last G2G meeting in June 2022 saw the signing of 19 agreements in a number of areas, the most important ones being those on customs and social protection. Both agreements aim to further strengthen the ongoing successful economic and trade cooperation and push forward the common vision of improving the well-being of citizens in both countries. Despite the situation caused by COVID-19, both countries have continued without interruption their economic cooperation and importexport trade exchanges, marking an increase in exchange rates. To illustrate this, in 2014 the import-export trade exchange volume was€160 million, while in 2022 it increased to€433 million.Therefore, agreements on the implementation of customs facilities and avoidance of double taxation are helping to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the two countries and increase economic development. However, there is much more potential to bene t from. Further information on the topic can be found here: https://www.tirana.fes.de/publications/ 7