Kosovo newborn: commemorating the new state's declaration of independence in February 2008
On 17 February 2008, Kosovo declared independence, while remaining under international supervision. Although a Middle-Income Country, Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with around 45% of its people living in poverty, and 15% reckoned to be extremely poor. The overall purpose of DFID's Kosovo programme is to deliver support in four key areas related to state-building and good governance: public administration reform, public financial reform, decentralisation, and the rule of law.
DFID's bilateral programme in Kosovo will end by December 2012. However, the UK is also working closely with the European Union to ensure support on helping Kosovo on the road to European accession. About 15% of EU development spend in Kosovo comes from the UK - almost £9 million in 2011. The British Embassy remains and UK funding will continue to reach Kosovo through the EU and other multilateral agencies.