|
Europe and Central Asia Dept,
DFID, 1 Palace St, London, SW1E 5E
Tel:+44 20 7023 0000 |Fax: +44 20 7023 1024
Map courtesy of the FCO
|
Kosovo
Introduction
In the post-war years, prior to the break up of the former Soviet Union,
Kosovo was an autonomous province within the former Yugoslavia. In 1989 Slobodan
Milosevic, then President of Serbia, itself part of Yugoslavia, unilaterally
revoked that position making Kosovo an integral part of Serbia, directly
governed by the Serbian authorities in Belgrade. This led to ten years of
oppressive rule and the suspension of the civil rights of the majority Albanian
population, which culminated in the 1999 conflict.
Since 1999, Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations. In 2001
Kosovan authorities were established as the “Provisional Institutions of Self
Government” and they took increasing responsibility for many areas of
government. On 17 February 2008, Kosovo declared itself independent, although it
remains under international supervision. It is one of the poorest regions in
Europe, with around 45% of its people living in poverty, and 15% reckoned to be
extremely poor.
More information is available from the
 Foreign
and Commonwealth Office website.
 Back
to top
Kosovo status issues
In 2005, a UN-commissioned review concluded that the post-conflict
arrangement of UN administration of Kosovo was unsustainable. Two years of
painstaking talks between Kosovo and Serbia followed, led by UN Special Envoy
Martti Ahtisaari. These talks demonstrated that agreement between Belgrade and
Pristina on the crucial issue of Kosovo’s status was out of reach. Martti
Ahtisaari therefore proposed a plan for supervised independence for Kosovo. In
the absence of any agreed alternative, the UK believes that this is the only
viable way forward.
Kosovo’s declaration of independence commits it to implementing fully UN
Special Envoy Ahtisaari’s Comprehensive Settlement Proposal, which includes
extensive minority safeguards and international supervision. On 18 February, the
Foreign Secretary announced that the UK would recognise Kosovo as a sovereign,
independent state. The new state’s constitution came into force on 15 June 2008.
The EU has agreed a range of political and practical assistance to Kosovo:
deploying a police and rule of law mission and Special Representative; and
assisting with economic and political development.
What are the challenges for Kosovo?
- Reduce high levels of poverty and unemployment;
- Manage political instability and the risk of conflict;
- Develop more effective and accountable government;
- Realise the opportunity of joining the European Union.
Back
to top
DFID was one of the first donors present in Kosovo after the conflict in
1999. Initially we provided emergency assistance, but over time our programme
has changed with the changing needs of Kosovo. In February 2008, the Prime
Minister pledged up to £23 million in aid for Kosovo over the next three years .
Current priorities include:
- Promoting higher levels of economic growth and employment, for
example through improving the investment climate in Kosovo;
- Working with the
Foreign
and Commonwealth Office and the
Ministry
of Defence to reduce the risk of conflict through the
Global
Conflict Prevention Pool
 (1.2
mb);
- Helping the Government decide how best to organise and staff its
civil service so its ministries and departments are fit for purpose;
- Supporting the Government and working with the
European
Commission, to take forward the Government’s agenda of meeting
European Union standards, leading to closer integration of Kosovo with
the EU.
We work closely with a number of donors in Kosovo, supporting better
coordination and increased effectiveness of overseas assistance. Key partners
include:
Back
to top
Links
Last updated: 09 July 2008
Back to top
| 
|
|
Directgov |
