Sections:
International community pledges support for Kosovo
11 July 2008
Almost
five months ago, Kosovo declared independence. Today, international
donors met in Brussels to get behind the Government of Kosovo's plans for building
prosperity and stability in the world's newest country.
The conference, hosted by the European Commission, was an important early opportunity for EU and other countries to pledge their support for Kosovo. Crucially, it was also a chance for the new republic to take ownership of its own development in the challenging years ahead.
An exciting but testing journey
Congratulating the Government of Kosovo on the conference, UK Development Secretary Douglas Alexander spoke of these challenges and reiterated the UK's commitment to helping it achieve its aspirations:
"This conference marks the end of the beginning for Kosovo as the newest country in the world. It also marks the start of an exciting but testing journey.
"The primary responsibility now lies with the Government of Kosovo to serve all of its people well and ensure that Kosovo can achieve its European goals. The UK is ready to travel with Kosovo on this journey and we look forward to an even closer relationship over the coming years."
Meeting the challenges
Kosovo is still suffering the after-effects of
conflict in the 1990s. Currently, 45%
of its people live below the poverty line, and unemployment is thought to be
up to 50%. The state of the nation's health is amongst the worst in Europe,
access to clean water and sanitation are low, and the electricity supply and
transport infrastructure are weak.
Over the last four months, the Kosovo Government has developed a Medium-term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) setting out its development priorities between 2009 and 2011. Creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and attracting foreign investors are key to a stable future for the country. In its new constitution and declaration of independence, the Government has also committed itself irrevocably to ensuring the rights of minorities. For this purpose, new laws and state institutions are now being established.
With these challenges ahead of it, Kosovo is looking to donors to provide €1.44 billion. The EC will be the biggest contributor, providing €120 million this year alone. The UK will give £23 million to Kosovo over the next three years, and will also be contributing through the work of EC.
Today's conference in Brussels, as well as enabling the international community to show their support for the fledgling state, brought donors together to improve the way they cooperate, ensuring their aid is used efficiently and for the benefit of the country's poorest people.
