The Budget Committee approved its scope of work with nine votes in favor, without any votes against or abstentions. However, committee members did not support the LDK proposal, which would have required ministers to report directly to this parliamentary body.

During the meeting, Committee Chair Enver Haliti presented the scope in detail, emphasizing that it is a functional and permanent committee dealing with all matters related to the budget and public finances.

“The committee is a functional and permanent body. Within its scope and responsibilities, it reviews all matters related to the budget and finances. The committee’s scope includes reviewing the annual budget bill and its amendments, reviewing laws in the field of public finance, reviewing laws for ratification of international agreements on financial obligations undertaken by the Republic of Kosovo, and making recommendations to the Assembly. It reviews draft laws and proposed amendments in terms of their budgetary impact within its responsibilities, and makes recommendations to the relevant functional committee and the Assembly. It has the right to propose and draft legislation, review the annual financial report of Kosovo’s budget, and review annual reports of institutions and independent bodies reporting to the Assembly within the committee’s mandate. It supervises the implementation of public policies and legislation in finance management, accounting standards, public debt, public procurement, macro-fiscal policies, and state aid. It supervises the implementation of laws within its scope, organizes public hearings, and reports either on its own initiative or at the request of the Assembly on matters within its mandate,” Haliti emphasized.

Deputy Besian Mustafa requested that the scope also include reviewing the annual financial reports of ministries, arguing that currently only institutions and independent bodies are mentioned.

“The review of annual financial reports of ministries is missing. Each ministry is legally obliged to submit these reports to the Ministry of Finance. I propose adding a point to include the review of ministries’ annual reports,” Mustafa said.

Deputy Shqipe Metaj from VV noted that the current wording could include reports from relevant institutions and that details could be clarified through the Committee’s Work Plan.

“Colleagues, we are discussing the scope, and it may already cover the review of reports from all institutions and independent bodies reporting to the Assembly. The details can be clarified in the Committee’s action plan,” Metaj said.

Mustafa replied, insisting that the point does not currently include ministries.

“I would fully agree with my colleague if point 7 said ‘review of annual reports of all institutions,’ but it does not. It only refers to institutions and independent bodies, excluding others,” Mustafa added.

Deputy Valon Hoti requested clarification on which institutions would be included. Chair Haliti noted that changes were unnecessary, as past practice has not caused issues, and any intervention could complicate the Committee’s work.

“I don’t think changes are necessary because they could complicate our work and the committee’s scope,” Haliti said.

Mustafa’s proposal did not receive enough votes, and the Committee’s scope was approved as is.

Regarding the next point, the review and approval of the Committee’s Work Plan for the spring session, Chair Enver Haliti said it is necessary to take one week to allow deputies to analyze it and submit any proposals to the secretariat before the next meeting.

The Committee continues with other agenda points, including the review and approval of the Work Plan for the spring session.