The publication covers: a section on the organizational structure and functioning of the EARK is provided, with reference to the legal basis and policy documents; the Agency's 2019 budget; achieving tangible results, especially through active labor market measures. The concluding section provides a summary of the publication and aspects that need to be addressed for further improvement of the EARK.

The Action Plan for Rationalization of Independent Agencies was approved by the Government of Kosovo in 2017. This document is an obligation arising from the European Reform Agenda (ERA), a document derived from Kosovo's Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU. Also the SBS contract, the Financial Sector Support Agreement (SBS) between the Government and the European Commission through which the EC conditions the transfer of financial support tranches with progress throughout the rationalization process during 2018 and 2019 with the achievement of the objectives of this plan.

This monitoring report reviews the achievements of the institutions throughout 2018, nonetheless, we have published monitoring reports for the six- and nine-month monitoring period. In order to give a clear picture of the state and process of ERA implementation, this study focuses on elaborating the methodology and results of the monitoring process, analyzing the current state of the achievements and shortcomings of institutions, as well as providing conclusions and recommendations.

This monitoring report aims to assess the achievements and setbacks as part of the implementation of the European Reform Agenda. It is focused on the evaluation of Kosovo institutions in the implementation and enforcement of ERA measures and actions. The three organizations involved in preparing this report: PIPS, GLPS and GAP Institute, have continuously monitored the process intensively in the respective ministries and have summarized their assessments which are identified in this report. This paper fully shows all the progress and stagnation by the Government of Kosovo during 2018. Most importantly, this paper serves as a mechanism for raising awareness of the Government and citizens of the Republic of Kosovo in relation to European integration and the performance of state institutions.

The purpose of this European Reform Agenda (ERA) monitoring report is to assess the achievement of the remaining objectives of ERA foreseen to be finalized during 2018, according to decision no. 01/13 of the Government of Kosovo on the key priorities of the European Agenda for 2018. All data collected and analyzed are detailed in the following matrix, which evaluates the work of institutions responsible for meeting the remaining 11 objectives for the first pillar, 12 objectives for the second pillar and 6 objectives for the third pillar of ERA.

This policy note assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of the institutions during the implementation process by providing specific percentages for each of the pillars specified on the Action Plan for the Implementation of Key Priorities of European Reform Agenda. In order to have a clear depiction of their achievements by the end of 2017, we have carefully monitored the work of each institution. 

This publication aims to illustrate the role and influence of the media in relation to the Stabilization and Association Agreement based on two aspects: informing and properly shaping public opinion regarding the SAA; reporting and increasing the transparency and efficiency of institutions in monitoring and implementing the SAA. The paper will also briefly touch on the importance of media impartiality and independence when it comes to covering the SAA process and EU integration in general.