"The implementation of the Agreement of 19 April is vital to the normalisation of Kosovo-Serbia relations and to the EU prospects of both. The agreement confirmed that Kosovo and Serbia are committed to advance on their respective EU paths. The EU needs to show it is serious in its support to this process, in the interest of peace, stability and the well-being of the region," Fuele said.
Kosovo can get EUR 65-70 million annually under the European Union's Instrument for Pre-Accession and the EUR 15 million is additional funding. The funds are intended for the municipal infrastructure, public administration, regional and rural development, employment and environmental protection. The funds may be increased.
The normalisation agreement provides for the organisation of local elections in Kosovo on November 3, in which Kosovo Serbs will vote for the first time, and the establishment of an association of Kosovo-Serb majority municipalities, whereby parallel structures in northern Kosovo, which do not recognise the government in Pristina, will be dissolved.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, under whose auspices the agreement was reached, on Thursday urged Kosovo citizens to go to the polls.
"My message to the people throughout Kosovo is: participate in the elections on Sunday. This is especially true for the Kosovo Serb community. I understand the concerns, particularly in the north, but participation is the best way to ensure that your voice is heard."
This week Kosovo began negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU.