Through independence and beyond
17 February 2010
Since setting up its Pristina office in 1999, DFID has been working determinedly to support the stability and development of Kosovo.
Today the UK celebrates the second anniversary of the Government of Kosovo’s declaration of independence on 17 February 2008. As well as recognising the new state less than 24 hours after its inception, the UK, in its pledge of £23 million over three years to the July 2008 Donor Conference, publicly renewed its commitment to supporting the institution of stable, accountable and effective government in Kosovo.
In the two years since independence, DFID has spent over £8 million supporting public administration reform, public financial management, the European Integration agenda, the Statistics Office of Kosovo, and strengthening the rule of law sector.
In public administration reform, DFID-funded reviews of the functionality of government ministries and agencies have produced vital analysis and recommendations. Working alongside partners and with our counterparts in Government, DFID has supported (and will continue to support) the planning and implementation of effective and sustainable policy making and operational structures.
DFID has also provided valuable support to Kosovo’s European integration ambitions, central to Kosovo’s strategic focus and which underpin international community support. In August 2009 DFID saw the successful conclusion of its programme to establish the Agency for Coordination of Donors and European Integration. A European Commission Twinning programme is now providing capacity building support to the Agency.
A robust rule of law sector is key for Kosovo’s economic development and its future stability. DFID has supported nascent policy coordination mechanisms, and DFID’s Constitutional Court project has enjoyed broad acclaim from Government and donors alike. This latter project has supported the establishment of the Court building, its secretariat, and the fundamental processes which have allowed the institution to begin working in earnest on a range of cases since September last year. DFID continues to support the Court’s strategic planning, training of lawyers and municipal officials and public awareness activities.
Going forward, DFID is excited about its upcoming interventions which broaden activity beyond central government capacity. DFID will be supporting decentralisation of social services, the strength and capacity of civil society, and private sector development.
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