APPROXIMATION OF KOSOVO ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION WITH EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS

ABSTRACT

The approximation of Kosovo legislation with the European Union (EU) acquis for the European integration process, is a complex one. Its complexity can significantly differ from filed to field. Moreover, the constant and rapid development of European environmental law makes this process even more challenging and demanding for Kosovo institutions. The aim of this paper is to provide a general analysis of Kosovo environmental legislation in the light of its approximation with EU acquis by using mainly the comparative legal approach and substantial aspects. The findings proof that the “step by step” approximation of EU environmental law into Kosovo environmental legislation is partial (around 40%), but still remains far from being complete and reaching its implementation.

Keywords: EU law, Kosovo environmental law, Stabilization and Association Agreement, ecological standards, law harmonization