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1 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

2 We aim to bridge the gap between the government and the people, between problems and solutions. We do this by engaging most distinguished professionals in research, advocacy and implementation of projects that address the country s pressing economic, social and political challenges. Institute for Advanced Studies GAP prishtinë, november Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

3 GAP Institute: thinktank leader in public policy organizations in Kosovo Central European Journal of Public Policy, Charles University, Prague In order to provide the skills for deficient public service positions, the Brain Fund Scheme is approved according to the GAP report, which is attached to this decision. Government of the Republic of Kosovo, decision no. 02/48, dated 24 December 2008 A credible report of the Institute for Advanced Studies, published in May 2008, reveals irregularities that have characterized the private higher education in Kosovo. As noted in an analysis of the GAP Institute entitled Economic Impact of DokuFest, street vendors are direct beneficiaries of the activities of DokuFest. Susanne Hufsky and Marlene Liebhert for Kosovo 2.0 We thank the GAP Institute, who with their activities, such as the publication and roundtable on Kosovo Air Space, contributed in the direction of opening up the debate and finding alternatives for shortening the flight distances to and from Kosovo. British Airways, on occasion of 15% fare price reduction, September 2009 Contents Foreword 6 Historical background, mission and organizational structure 18 GAP Institute Publications 20 GAP Institute brand projects 22 GAP s impact on public policies 26 GAP s collaboration with higher education institutions 30 GAP in Media 31 GAP Donors 34 Annex I: GAP Policy Briefs 48 Annex II: Reports 70 Professor Steve Brisstow Chairman of the British Council Inspection Service for Higher Education, January 2010 OTHERS ON GAP 4 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

4 Foreword November 1st 2012 marked the fifth anniversary of GAP Institute for Advanced Studies. That is the day when GAP Institute, which became known simply as GAP, began functioning as a research institute. The idea for establishing a local think-tank organization, which would become a source for independent research, objective analysis and professional reports, came from local experts, who at that time were working at various international institutions in Kosovo and abroad. They were all respected professionals in policy research. As the country was preparing to declare its independence, the new Kosovo institutions were in need of objective research from independent research institutions that would contribute in drafting good public policies. This became the mission of GAP Institute: to bring together professional researchers to address Kosovo s pressing economic, political and social challenges. GAP s vision remains clear from the beginning too: to bridge the gap between the government and the people and to serve as a bridge between problems and solutions. GAP Institute had a successful start and its reputation for objective and realistic policy recommendations grew faster than expected. Soon GAP became one of the main addresses where public institutions would seek assistance for drafting good public policies and where media would find opinions on major developments that fell within GAP s research expertise. During these years GAP has worked with the Government and the Assembly in identifying problems, finding solutions and proposing better public policies. Furthermore, GAP has closely monitored the implementation of such public policies, has published reports on the work of public institutions and has lobbied Agron Demi Executive Director Institute for Advanced Studies GAP for more transparency and participation of citizens in decision making process. In five years GAP has been directly involved in many governmental working groups for drafting public policies. A large number of public documents that are implemented today recognize GAP s contribution and research inputs. During this period GAP has managed to publish more than one hundred different publications; GAP has provided space for research to a large number of professionals coming from different fields; GAP s publications are among the most cited documents from local media; GAP findings have been cited by international media as well as from scholars whose work focuses on public policies. GAP will be active for many years to come and these will be only the first 5 years of GAP s history. Now that we are entering the sixth year, we would like to thank all those individuals that with their professionalism and dedication made it possible for GAP to be one of the most active and credible organizations in Kosovo. In addition, we would like to thank all donors who supported GAP financially during these years, making GAP one of the most sustainable organizations in country. Furthermore, we would like to thank all our partners from the civil society who have cooperated with us and the media who have covered extensively GAP s work in their mediums. 6 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

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6 Impact of gap in decision-making As a think-tank specialized in public policies, the primary aim of GAP Institute is influencing and assistance in decision-making and drafting of public policies. Below we highlighted some activities and successes of GAP in this regard: The first GAP analysis regarding the potential closing of the border Kosovo- Albania and trade alternatives was published jointly and in coordination with the Kosovo Customs December GAP Institute was part of the group for the organization of the first and only donor conference for Kosovo, when in 2008, Kosovo was promised 1.5 billion Euros for a three-year period. GAP s proposal to Government to establish a think-tank fund with the aim of increasing the professionalism in public administration, was adopted as a governmental policy with the Government decision no.02/48 24 December GAP Institute was part of the FRIDOM project or the Functional Review and Institutional Organization of Ministries, which was and remains one of the biggest projects for reforming the central administration The GAP report on Private Higher Education in Kosovo remains the only report of its kind for higher education and during the process of accreditation of private institutions of higher education, British Accreditation Council who has been responsible the accreditation process, cited GAP as the only credible and independent report Since 2008, GAP Institute is the most invited organization to present in public hearings organized by parliamentary committees and who most often contributed directly in these public hearings, assisting the decisionmakers in drafting laws or monitoring the implementation of these laws. The first GAP appearance in public hearings was on 8 April 2008, in the public hearing organized by the Committee for European Integration with the topic Kosovo s membership in the Council of Europe. On this occasion GAP presented the analysis Council of Europe and Kosovo, which remains the only analysis for the process of Kosovo s membership in CoE. Publications and GAP Institute s advocacy campaigns within the Civil Society Organizations Consortium for Sustainable Development (KOSID) have led World Bank and Government of Kosovo to issue a series of documents on energy alternatives, the economic, environmental, social and health impact of the activities of coal-based power plants as a response to analysis and reports KOSID s. As a result of activities of KOSID, the World Bank has included a grant of 33 million dollars within Kosovo Partnership Strategy GAP Analysis Kosovo Police Budget has served as a policy document to draft budget policies for the police and this analysis was published also in the official publication of the Kosovo Police Protector. In March 2008, GAP Institute signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, in order to support the committee in its daily work and in drafting of the committee s plan to address the challenges of the Progress report on Kosovo, a plan which is drafted regularly by PCEI since In 2010, GAP Institute has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in order to assist the Ministry in analyzing losses from the blockade caused by Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Kosovo products. In 2012, GAP Institute signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Assembly of Kosovo and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in order to support the Parliamentary Research Service with researches. In 2011, the GAP analysis on CEFTA was published in the official journal of the Kosovo Customs Customs informer. GAP reports on Kosovo Participation to at least 12 public hearings organized by parliamentary commissions and tens of public debates. 18 monthly issues of GAP Monitor and 438 brief reports on Government decisions. municipalities called Municipal ID s are used in various forms in municipalities. The GAP report for the Hani i Elezit municipality was used by this institution as a guiding report and was published also as a document in the list of official documents in the official webpage of the Municipality. GAP has also participated in drafting and monitoring of the implementation of many laws, such as: Law on Access to Public Documents, Labor Law, Law on Energy Efficiency, Law on Economic Zones, the Law on Civil Service, etc. In many cases, GAP analysis and reports have been cited by MPs in plenary sessions and meetings of the parliamentary committees. 10 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

7 GAP in Media the new york times Kosovo Builds Economy From the Ground Up By DAN BILEFSKY Published: March 5, For years, we have used not having our independence as an excuse for everything, said Shpend Ahmeti, an economist who runs the Institute for Advanced Studies, a Pristinabased research organization. Now that we have it, we need to show that we deserve to be a country and that we can create a viable economy. the economist The world s newest state Some of Kosovo s problems are stark. According to Shpend Ahmeti, director of Kosovo s Institute for Advanced Studies, imports are running at about 1.3 billion ($1.9 billion) a year but exports at a microscopic 90m-130m. Every year between 25,000 and 30,000 young people enter the labour market, most of them unskilled. Business taxes are much higher than elsewhere in the region; interest rates are prohibitive. Like the rest of the Balkans, Kosovo has a reputation (now somewhat outdated) of being plagued by organized crime a symptom of a weak state. ft.com Poor transport links hamper cross-border trade By Neil MacDonald Published: March Replacements [for Serbian goods] could be found in Macedonia and Albania, although importing them from Albania would increase the transport costs and therefore retail prices, says Pristina s Group for Policy Analysis (GAP) Kosovo s booming construction sector uses 15m a year of building materials from Serbia, mainly because the transport costs are lowest that way, explains Shpend Ahmeti, GAP economist. Fewer than 2 per cent of Koso-van imports originate in Albania, while only 1 per cent more enter by that route, says Kosovo s United Nations-run customs service der spiegel Confusion and Corruption in Kosovo. The Slow Birth of a Nation By Walter Mayr We must keep our best people in the country, but we lack young elites, says Harvard graduate Shpend Ahmeti, who heads the Institute for Advance Studies (GAP) Kosovo s main export is still scrap metal, but Ahmeti mentions what politicians intend to ask for at an upcoming international donors conference -- a subway in the small industrial city of Ferizaj, for 36 million ($58 million), and an opera house dedicated to the now-deceased former president, Ibrahim Rugova, for 25 million ($40 million). financial times Abschied von Serbien Viel wird derzeit über Verhandlungen zwischen Serbien und dem Kosovo spekuliert: Die internationale Gemeinschaft drängt die wichtigsten. Vertreter der Albaner zu einer Koalition, um mit Serbien über das Nordkosovo zu verhandeln, sagt Agron Demi, Direktor des Thinktanks GAP in Pristina koha ditore GAP-i lehtëson vendimet për kredimarrje Ky projekt do t u mundësojë atyre që t i përgjigjen ofertës, e cila është më e përshtatshme për ta. Ky projekt, i cili do të azhurnohet dhe publikohet çdo 3 muaj, gjithashtu do të stimulojë edhe konkurrencën e 300 shëndoshë ndërmjet 300 citations in institucioneve average per year of GAP reports in local bankare, të cilat and international do të vazhdojnë t i media (302 appearances in 2011) përmirësojnë ofertat e tyre me shërbime sa më cilësore dhe të volitshme për klientët potencialë, thotë Kushtrim Puka, hulumtues në Institutin GAP...(12 shkurt 2009). rtk GAP bën vërejtje të shumta ndaj institucioneve të arsimit të lartë privat në Kosovë...Papunësia e madhe në Kosovë konsiderohet si arsye kryesore për numër të madh studentësh që kanë zgjedh t i vazhdojnë studimet në institucionet e arsimit të lartë privat në Kosovë ( ). jeta në kosovë Asnjëri nga pesë problemet nuk është adresuar Pesë problemet më të mëdha të prizrenasve, të cilat i kishte identifikuar Instituti GAP, në prag të fushatës zgjedhore në vitin 2009, ishin uji i pijshëm, shkatërrimi i trashëgimisë kulturore, mungesa e vendparkingjeve... Këto vazhdojnë të jenë preokupimet kryesore edhe dy vjet e gjysmë më pas... (23 korrik 2012). zëri Kosova s ka imunitet nga kriza... Drejtori ekzekutiv i Institutit për Studime dhe Hulumtime të avancuara GAP, Agron Demi, thotë për Radion Evropa e Lirë se edhe pse Kosova ka marrëdhënie të pakta tregtare më shtetet evropiane, kriza ekonomike në eurozonë ka pasur ndikim e saj te dërgesat e emigrantëve (11 maj 2012). ktv Qeveria e Kosovës anulon vendimin e paligjshëm për ti dhënë kompanisë amerikane Patton Boggs 600 mijë euro pa respektuar procedurat e prokurorimit. Ndaj këtij vendimi kishte reaguar edhe Instituti për Studime të Avancuara GAP (Lajmet Qendrore, 5 nëntor 2010). evropa e lirë Kosova s ka imunitet nga kriza... Drejtori ekzekutiv i Institutit për Studime dhe Hulumtime të avancuara GAP, Agron Demi, thotë për Radion Evropa e Lirë se edhe pse Kosova ka marrëdhënie të pakta tregtare më shtetet evropiane, kriza ekonomike në eurozonë ka pasur ndikim e saj te dërgesat e emigrantëve (11 maj 2012). 12 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

8 GAP in the reports of other organizations GAP s policy briefs and reports were cited by other non-governmental organizations in the country and abroad - organizations with which GAP has ongoing cooperation. Some of the reports of other organizations in which GAP publications were cited are: Mosaics of Kosovo - public services and local authorities in focus UNDP Kosovo, October 2009, p.12, 13. The Kosovo Report for Municipal Competitiveness Index 2011 USAID, June 2011 State in the mirror indicator based performance published by Democracy for Development (D4D), June 2011, fq.88 Kosovo Competition Commission case study Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI), p.5 Public Management: analysis of the boards of public enterprises and independent agencies KIPRED, May 2011, p.9, 15, 25 Kosovo as soon as possible in the Council of Europe Monthly journal of the Foreign Policy Club (KPJ), December 2011, p.9 Transparency of public investment in infrastructure - the promotion of transparency and accountability on public investment in infrastructure FOL Movement, p.14 World Bank pushing dirty coal and massive hydro Bretton Woods Project, September Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

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10 1. Historical background, mission and organizational structure GAP Institute for Advanced Studies was established in The founders of GAP Institute came to the idea to establish this institute when they were working for different local and international institutions. Although in 2001 the provisional institutions for self-government were established with the assistance of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, and governing powers were gradually transferred towards local institutions, the international organizations continued to be the ones who were setting the development agenda for the state. In short, the local institutions looked for assistance always towards internationals, especially during the processes of establishing policies. With the proper academic background, obtained mostly in foreign universities, and due expertise in the field of planning public policies, this small group of individuals saw the need for establishing a think-tank, which would conduct professional research and would assist the new local institutions in drafting public policies. GAP Institute for Advanced Studies very soon would be known as GAP Institute. GAP is the acronym for the Group for Political Analysis (in Albanian). As the name suggests, the idea behind the establishment of the Institute was to attract professionals who would develop and implement projects which would empower the Kosovar society. Today, GAP Institute is one of the main thinktanks in the country, with an established reputation for professionalism and objectivity. As a think-tank that deals with issues of public policies, the mission of GAP corresponds with the following objectives: Providing professional research and analysis for public policies; Evaluation and providing recommendations for current public policies; Promote, support and participate in public policy-related debates; Provide professional assistance in the implementation of public policies; Bridging the gap between the government and constituents; GAP Institute is non-profit and non-governmental organization, whose institutional framework is defined by its statute. The Assembly of Members of GAP is the highest authority and has the right to choose the executive director. The first executive director was Shpend Ahmeti. Mr. Ahmeti led GAP during the first three years and has given an outstanding contribution to make GAP one of the most credible organizations in Kosovo. Prior to his engagement in politics Mr. Ahmeti resigned from all positions in GAP Institute on 15 October Following this, the Assembly of Members chose Agron Demi as the GAP executive director, how assumed his position on 1 November Mr. Demi was re-elected for a second two-year term in the meeting of the Assembly of Member, held on 9 November GAP Institute is one of the biggest think-tank organizations in country. Since its establishment more than 27 individuals were employed in different time periods. Currently, GAP Institute employs 12 persons, 10 of which are full time workers. The majority of them obtained post-university degrees from different prestigious international universities. As an organization which is constantly seeking talented individuals, GAP every year receives three to four interns coming mainly from foreign universities. finance assistant sustainable economic and social development unit executive board finance director program manager policy analist researcher research assistant assambly of members executive director program director research director program manager policy analist researcher research assistant Instituti GAP Organizational Structure advisory board center for political development As a think-tank specialized in public policies, GAP covers a wide range of research topics in political, economic and social issues. Therefore, the research and analysis of GAP institute are categorized based on two programme units, where each covers a certain topic: Center for Political Development Unit for Sustainable Economic and Social Development 18 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

11 Sustainable economical and social unit development unit center for political development Programmes and research fields of GAP energy projects in kosovo kosovo s budget and macroeconomic policies banking system labor market educational system in kosovo higher education and its quality local governance kosovo assembly kosovo governmend gap monitor monitoring goverment decisions guide to government monitoring and analyzing the efficiency of government departments (ministries) energy efficiency exploring alternative energy options budget watch, analysis and advocacy analyzing kosovo s macroeconomic policies bankwatch analyzing labor market in kosovo, data s, and the relationship between unemployment and higher education municipality id s monitoring the promises of the municipality mares parliamentary research program monitoring law implementation parliamentary research and analysis on draft laws 2. GAP Institute Publications GAP Institute is a think-tank specialized in public policies. Therefore, all GAP publications are interlinked with public policies. GAP analysis fall into three study fields: political developments in the country (in both central and local levels), economic development and social development. Since its establishment, GAP Institute was active in the policy-making process. Overall there are three ways through which GAP influences policy-making in Kosovo: through publications, through participating in public debates and through providing opinions and comments on current public policies. During the last five years, GAP Institute, on occasions, has used a proactive approach by providing preliminary estimates prior to government decisions. GAP publications usually come in the form of policy briefs and follow this structure: description of the problem, analysis of current situation, offer options and concrete recommendations. GAP publications stand out for their brief and concise content. During a calendar year, GAP on average publishes six policy briefs and a considerable number of reports. In the following we will describe in chronological order all GAP publications, also providing a brief overview of the situation following the publication of the analysis. a) Policy Briefs From December 2007 to November 2012, GAP published 29 policy briefs. Policy briefs published by GAP are short, substantial and contain concrete recommendations for changing the situation in a certain public policy. In the annex we will provide an overview of all policy briefs that GAP has published so far, their impact in public policies and the overall public debate. b) Reports In addition to policy briefs, GAP from time to time publishes comprehensive research reports on a particular issue. To date, GAP has published 55 reports: 46 reports on local governance (municipalities), 5 annual reports for the IREX project Media Sustainability Index and 4 reports on different topics: A Review of Private Higher Education in Kosovo (2008), Kosovo s Foreign Policy - from 17 February 2008 until 17 February 2009 (2009), Progress Report - Made in Kosova (2010) and Energy Projects in Kosovo (2010). c) GAP statements On important issues that take place regarding public policies, either positive or negative, GAP takes a stand to support or criticize a certain policy. GAP statements could be individual, in the fields of public policies where GAP is engaged, or collective, in joint statements with other organizations of civil society, where freedom of expression or integrity of the country and public institutions are threatened in general. In 2010 the profile of GAP Institute was published in the Journal of Central European Public Policy, which is published by the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University in Prague. Through this Journal, GAP has reached a global audience to provide more information on the work, achievements and its longterm plans. 20 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

12 GAP profile at Central European Journal of Public Policy, Charles University, Prague. a) GAP Monitor - GAP Monitor project started in January 2009 and its aim is to monitor the decisions of the Government. Seeing that executive s decisions were not covered well by non-governmental organizations and that media focuses more on government member s statements and only covered some decisions, GAP Institute saw it necessary to inform the public through monthly publications on all decisions of the Government of Kosovo that are taken within a month. Therefore, GAP Monitor included the list of all decisions that were taken in a month, analysis of each decision and monitoring of their implementation. A year later, GAP Monitor had its own portal ( where in addition to monthly publications, reports on each decision were published right after the decision was taken. This way, the GAP Monitor portal became one of the main sources of information on Government s decisions for civil society organizations. From January 2011 to November 2012, the GAP Monitor portal was visited by visitors who browsed different pages of GAP Monitor. The monthly reports of GAP Monitor are published in three languages: Albanian, Serbian and English and are distributed to public institutions, media, civil society organizations, and international and diplomatic missions. The article can be read at: 3. GAP Institute brand projects In addition to policy briefs, reports and statements or positions, during its five years of existence, GAP Institute has managed to launch some original projects, which are now known as its brands. These projects which by nature are continuous and serial, over time have been expanded and supplemented with additional components. GAP Monitor, Bankwatch, and Municipal IDs are such projects. GAP Monitor monthly publications: 22 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

13 a) Bankwatch - Bankwatch is serial GAP Institute project, which aims to inform people about banking products and services in Kosovo. Bankwatch analyzes banking products and services of all commercial banks in Kosovo, by comparing loan rates for all categories and publishing analytical reports on the banking sector in general. The first issue of Bankwatch was published in February 2009 and since then seven reports periodical reports followed it. Bankwatch is one of the most quoted reports of GAP Institute, by media, civil society organizations or analysts and individual researchers. This remains the only publication of its kind in Kosovo. Bankwatch logo b) Municipal ID s - In addition to monitoring and analyzing policies in the central level, during the last five years, GAP Institute has been quite active in monitoring local governance. Initially in 2007, GAP cooperated with Jeta në Kosovë (Eng. Life in Kosovo ), when GAP conducted original research on the problems, budged spending and economic development of each municipality. GAP findings served as a reference for TV debates with candidates who were running for mayor s office. In the second half of 2008 and the beginning of 2009, GAP Institute again in cooperation with Jeta në Kosovë, monitored the one-year governance of all the municipal mayors in Kosovo, analyzing the fulfillment of promises made during the electoral campaign, completed projects, main problems in municipality, the good and not so good examples of one-year governance, etc. GAP s research reports were used by TV show Jeta në Kosovë to confront the mayors with the findings from the research. During the electoral campaign for 2009 local elections, GAP undertook another research in 30 municipalities in Kosovo, where as a result GAP published 30 reports called Municipal IDs. The Municipal IDs contain data on the municipal profile (population, education, economic development, etc.), five main problems of the municipality, promises implemented during the mandate , municipal elections trends, municipal budget over the years, the condition of civil society and media in that municipality, rule of law, property tax and business tax, as well as budget projections for the following three years. The findings of GAP Institute were debated in TV shows Jeta në Kosovë with the main municipal mayor contenders. In addition to individual reports for each municipality, GAP also drafted three comparative analyses on: Property Tax Rate in each municipality, Business Taxes in each municipality and Financial capacity for the next three years. During the electoral campaign for 2009 local elections, GAP together with BIRN (Balkan Investigative and Research Network) monitored the promises given during the campaign. All the promises were collected and were sent to the recently elected mayors. Through open letters to municipal mayors, GAP and BIRN reminded them the promises they made with the commitment that for each year they will monitor the implementation of these promises and would inform the public on the progress achieve in this regard. Stating from May 2012, GAP and Jeta në Kosovë have again started the series of publications and debates for the governance of municipal mayors. In total GAP has published 40 different reports on local governance. GAP has published 40 different reports on local governance. 24 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

14 4. GAP s impact on public policies GAP s mission is to influence public policies, by proposing the adoption of new better policies or by proposing changes in the current ones. All GAP publications have the main aim to impact decision-making. For this five year period, GAP managed to become one of the most influential think-tanks on public policies in the country. The target of analysis, research and reports of GAP were the main institutions in country: the Government of Kosovo, the Assembly of Kosovo, Municipalities and the Kosovo Central Bank. One of the most successful methods that GAP has used to influence decisionmaking has been through our participation in public hearings and regular meetings of the parliamentary committees. To date, GAP has participated in dozens of public hearings on draft laws, laws, policies and strategies, organized by various parliamentary committees. GAP always responded to the invitations of the parliamentary committees, in addition to presence and presentation, GAP also offered written analysis and recommendations on the issues under discussion. In fact, given the increasing requests for presentations in parliamentary committees, GAP has started to draft analysis specifically for Assembly s needs, based on the project called Series of Parliamentary Research. This series of research includes analysis and research for the draft-laws that are being discussed in the Assembly, monitoring the implementation of laws and participation in parliamentary working groups. This engagement was praised by the Assembly of Kosovo who has already signed a memorandum of cooperation with GAP, that the later assists with expertise the Parliamentary Research Centre of the Assembly of Kosovo. GAP has also been part of drafting of important documents for the executive of the country. In such a case, GAP has assisted in gathering information for the FRIDOM project (Functional Review of the Whole of Government: rks-gov.net/userfiles/file/fridom/rishikimi_i_gjithe_qeverise/raportin_e_ plote_mundeni_ta_shkarkoni_ne_formatin_20.pdf), a project which drafted an important report for the vertical and horizontal review of the whole government portfolios. GAP was also part of the process for the preparation and proceedings of the donor conference for Kosovo which was held in Brussels in Below we provide some examples of the impact that GAP had on public decision-making institutions in Kosovo. The Brain Fund Scheme In 2008, GAP Institute provided a policy brief to the Government of Kosovo, expressing the need to create a special budgetary fund to attract experts in Government. In this paper, GAP offers concrete recommendations regarding the criteria that need to be fulfilled to appoint experts in different key areas within the Government of Kosovo. The Government of Kosovo, in December 2008, adopts the proposal to create the Brain Fund Scheme, based on the GAP proposal. Although GAP achieved to materialize the idea, the implementation of the scheme in practice never went according to GAP proposals. Government Decision no.02/48 dated 24 December 2008 for the Brain Fund Scheme, or how it is now known the Cadre Fund Scheme Review of private higher education - During the time when public institutions supported the establishment of private universities without any criteria, in May 2008, GAP Institute published a report which offers a review of the private higher education in Kosovo, recording legal offences, number and qualification of the personnel working in private institutions of higher education, number of students and study space, work and learning conditions, etc. This was the first, and to date, the only report of this kind in Kosovo, that provides an overview of conditions of colleges and private universities. It is frequently used also as a reference point for potential students. 26 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

15 Following the publication of this report, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) engaged the British Council to conduct the accreditation of all private providers of higher education. During this process, British Council experts also used data provided by GAP on higher education and the GAP report on this sector is considered a powerful report (See report: org/repository/docs/raport.pdf, page 8). Some private providers were not accredited due to not meeting the criteria, on which GAP reported in its study. Impact on the drafting of the Law on Labor From the moment when the Government of Kosovo sent the Law on Labor to the Assembly in June 2010, GAP Institute was directly involved in amending and reviewing the draft law. Initially, GAP published a policy brief with concrete recommendations to improve the content of this law. This publication was presented in a conference organized by GAP and attended by representatives from the Assembly of Kosovo, trade unions, private business, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, etc. Two days after the presentation of analysis, GAP was invited by the Assembly of Kosovo to present its findings in the public hearing organized by the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Labor and Social Welfare. During July, GAP s policy brief was presented in two subsequent public hearings organized by the Informal Women Caucus and the Informal Youth Caucus of the Assembly, as well as another gathering organized by representatives of employers and workers. When the Assembly of Kosovo finally adopted the Law on Labor on 2 November 2010, GAP had achieved the inclusion of most of recommendations in the final version of the Law on Labor. The implementation of the law was as important as its adoption. Therefore, six months after it entered into force, GAP organized a public conference where it presented a new publication The implementation of Labor Law in the first six months. Even in this paper GAP offered concrete 29 published policy briefs 55 reports publication 7 series of Bankwatch 48 other publications (statements, comparative reports, public letters) recommendations how to overcome some of the identified problems that have to do with the lack of full implementation of this law, such as: The small funds allocated to implement the Law by the Government of Kosovo, insufficient capacities of the labor inspectorate, overload of courts with cases, private sector not respecting the law, etc. Following the conference, GAP was the only nongovernmental organization that was invited by the Ministry of Labor to be part of the working group to prepare the annual report of the implementation of the law. Impact on the review of the Law on Economic Zones In May 2012, GAP Institute presented a paper on the impact of the law on economic zones in the development of business parks in Kosovo. GAP findings showed that this law did not manage to impact on bringing foreign investors in Kosovo, that the law itself did not contain financial stimulants, and that establishment of business parks did not go as it should have, etc. In this analysis, GAP offered a number of recommendations for the new law on economic zones. In October 2012, the Parliamentary Committee for Economic Development invited GAP in a public hearing to present its recommendations for the new draft law on economic zones. GAP is one of the few non-governmental organizations that will be part of the working group on this law during the end of GAP s contribution in the Forum for Security - Forum for Security (FS) was established in June 2012 by the Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ) and the Kosovo Centre for Security Studies (QKSS). This forum serves as a platform for discussions between civil society organizations and institutions on matters of security in Kosovo. The forum is in the stage of drafting a strategy that would clarify the position of the forum in the environment of security in Kosovo and the activities it expects to conduct in the future. The forum has the coordinator that coordinates the work with participating organizations and calls the meetings of the forum as needed. Usually the meetings of the forum discuss the current topics in the wide topic of security in Kosovo. GAP Institute is a member of the Forum for Security since February Through its representative in the forum, GAP contributes by providing ideas for discussion on what is currently relevant on the field of security in Kosovo. In this regard, GAP proposed the inclusion of the Forum for Security in the process of strategic review of the security sector in Kosovo initiated with a Governmental Decision in March 2012, which is expected to continue until June Recently, GAP proposed some possible topics that could be analyzed within the framework of FS. GAP s contribution in energy policies GGAP is an active member of the Kosovo Civil Society Consortium for Sustainable Development (KOSID). Through various activities, the consortium has been advocating for better energy policies in country. In 2011, GAP along with members KOSID published a report Energy Projects in Kosovo, requesting the closure of the power plant Kosova A and objected the construction of a new plant due to the environmental and health impact. During the advocacy process, GAP met several times with representatives of World Bank in Kosovo, USAID, GIZ, Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and Parliamentary Committee that deals with energy. 28 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

16 GAP was also active in the privatization process of the energy distribution network and supply KEDS. Dozens of request were sent to the Ministry for access to privatization documents. After the denial of the right to access these public documents, GAP has filed a lawsuit against MED for violation of the right of access to public documents. The trial is expected to begin soon. GAP has also published an analysis regarding the privatization and value of assets of distribution and supply network, where it is argued that a) privatization process has not been transparent, and b) privatization price significantly lower compared to the investments in it during the last five years. Currently GAP is building a model for energy efficiency. Model T21, designed by Millennium Institute, uses economic, demographic and energy statistics to forecast the energy demand in the coming years. At the end of the project GAP will come up with a detailed report that would contain recommendations for the Government on the steps it needs to take in the field of energy. Impact on members of the Assembly of Kosovo and citing of GAP reports in parliamentary sessions GAP Institute publications not only get good media coverage, but often they serve as a point of reference for the MPs of the Assembly of Kosovo. It often happens that during the plenary sessions MPs cite findings of GAP Institute while they argue socio-economic issues. Cases when MPs of the Assembly of Kosovo and other governmental decisionmakers cite or refer GAP Institute publications during their public presentations, show that GAP publications enjoy great credibility, because they are objective and professional analysis. Influencing decision-makers by offering them more favorable public policies is one of the objectives of GAP Institute. in research and analysis of GAP. During these years, students were engaged in different forms in GAP, and they came from Dartmouth College, Harvard Kennedy School, St. Andrews University, European Campus of Sciences and University of Toronto. 6. GAP in Media Që nga themelimi, GAP ka pasur prezencë të konsiderueshme në mediat vensince its establishment, GAP has had a considerable presence in local and international media, both print and electronic. GAP cultivated a good partnership with media, not only for publicity but also for the fact that in Kosovo the most successful method to influence public policies is done through the impact of public opinion. In this form the public pressure is increased on decisionmakers. Therefore, in addition to direct contacts with decision-makers and close cooperation with public institutions, GAP closely cooperated with media to convey research finding to the appropriate audience. GAP was presented in media in different forms, such as coverage of GAP s activities by media, presentation of publications in media, media statements, and participation in TV debates and through individual op-eds of GAP s analysts published in daily press. Throughout the years GAP was cited and was present in all local print and electronic media, and in some prestigious international media such as The Economist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Der Spiegel, NZZ, Die Presse, etc. 5. GAP s collaboration with higher education institutions GAP Institute enjoys good cooperation with private universities and the public university in Prishtina. GAP signed memorandums of understanding with them for exchanging research experiences, involving students in the capacity of interns, participating in lectures, co-organizing scientific events, etc. GAP on several occasions was invited by University of Prishtina to present its analysis in front of students. In a scientific conference organized by University of Prishtina, GAP presented the level of research in think-tanks and the need for cooperation with universities. GAP also has cooperation agreements with private colleges in the country, such as the agreement with Universum College. Since 2009, GAP has cooperation with Osgoode Hall Law School from York University in Toronto. For three years nine students from this university have finished a two month internship in GAP Institute and have contributed 30 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

17 32 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

18 7. GAP Donors GAP Institute is mainly funded from international donors. During these five years GAP had sustainable finances and has enjoyed the trust of foreign donors. The institutional funds and those based on projects made possible the sustainable development of GAP during the last five years and thanks to these funds GAP had the possibility and freedom to intervene in all the important policies that the country went through. Rockefeller Brothers Fund One of the main donors, Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) supported GAP since The financial assistance of RBF came in form of an institutional grant and served to strengthen the Unit for Sustainable Economic and Social Development. Through this programme, the aim of GAP was to influence the public discourse by contributing with policy briefs, studies, recommendations and debates in economic and social fields. With the institutional support of RBF, GAP was able to develop and strengthen its two main programmes. The continuous financial support by RBF assisted GAP in increasing the activities and allowed it to be flexible and react quickly to current issues and problems. issues. All this was achieved thanks to the financial stability that GAP enjoyed from the support from institutional donors. Other important GAP supporters during these years also were the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD). Further, GAP received different forms of support from DFID, Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), IREX, FES, etc. All these donors through their financial support for particular projects contributed for the development of GAP programmes. GAP also has a range of local and international partners with whom it cooperated in different projects. Some of our partners are: BIRN, FIQ and organizations from the KOSID consortium. GAP s financial statements for the last three years are published on the website of GAP: Open Society Institute Through the institutional Think-tank fund of Open Society Institute (OSI), GAP has managed to establish and strengthen the GAP Center for Political Development. The financial support from OSI played a crucial role in the functioning of this center, whose one of the main tasks is publishing studies and research that deal with politics. The programme manager manages this center, whereas policy analysts, researchers and occasionally interns from local and foreign universities compose the rest of the staff. Both these institutional grants were linked directly with 860, ,000 euro the total budget for achieving our goals to influence in drafting public policies, initiating discussions on policies and establishing a regular practice of policy in Kosovo. During the five years of existence, GAP has managed to become one of the biggest and most influential organizations in Kosovo with regards to economic, social and political 34 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

19 36 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

20 GAP Staff Agron Demi Agron is the Executive Director of GAP Institute since October He joined GAP in March 2008 and worked as a policy analyst and was Director of the GAP s Political Development Department before his election as Executive Director. He has nearly completed his MA studies for Political Science at the University of Prishtina. Agron also holds a BA in Public Administration, as well as a BA in Social Work. Before joining GAP, he worked for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and as a Legislative Assistant for both the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Labor and Social Welfare and the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance, at the Assembly of Kosovo. agron@institutigap.org Nora Latifi Jashari Nora is a Program Manager of Sustainable Economic and Social Development Unit and Finance Director at GAP Institute. She joined GAP Institute in December 2007 as a Finance Director. Through the Fulbright program, she earned an MA in Economics from Northern Illinois University, USA. She received a BS with highest honors in Management & Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, from Rochester Institute of Technology and American University in Kosova. In addition to her academic experience, Nora was also an intern at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and worked as a Business Loan Officer for ProCredit Bank Kosova. Nora has also participated in many seminars addressing a variety of economic and social issues and has taken part in various professional trainings. nora@institutigap.org Jeton Mehmeti Jeton is a Research Director at GAP Institute and Policy Analyst on social issues. He joined GAP in 2009 after finishing his MA studies at Central European University (Budapest), Department of Public Policy. Jeton holds two BA degrees from IIUM (Kuala Lumpur), one in Media & Mass Communication and one in Comparative Religion. For his academic achievements he received the Best Student Award as well as Rector s award for being five times in dean s list. His articles have been published in various journals in the USA, Austria, Turkey, and Bulgaria and presented papers in Los Angeles, Kuala Lumpur, Brussels, etc. His first book Tensions between freedom of expression and religious sensitivity was published in 2011 in Germany. Jeton also teaches Public Relations and other media courses at the University of Prishtina. jeton@institutigap.org Visar Berisha Visar is a Program Director at GAP Institute and he is responsible for development of programs, project management and policy research and analysis. He is a part of GAP Institute since its establishment in He holds a Masters of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of London - Center for Financial and Management Studies, with a background in Sociology, graduated from the University of Prishtina. As one of the owners of the opinion and market research company INDEX Kosova in Prishtina, he has extensive experience in different fields of research and analysis. He is also one of the owners of a market research company in Albania. visar@institutigap.org 38 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

21 Visar Rushiti Visar is a Policy Analyst at GAP Institute in the Center for Political Development. He joined GAP in September 2012 and prior to that he was working for the Government of Kosovo, initially in the Office of Public Safety ( ) and Situation Center ( ) of the Office of the Prime Minister, and in the Kosovo Security Council Secretariat ( ). During spring 2012, he participated in the Fellowship program of the European Fund for the Balkans and did his fellowship at the Federal Ministry of Interior and National Defence Academy in Austria. He holds a Bachelor degree in Political Science from the University of Prishtina ( ), a Master of Science degree in Professional Studies from Rochester Institute of Technology and American University in Kosovo ( ), and a Master degree in European Studies from Centre International de Formation Européenne and European Online Academy ( ). visar.rushiti@institutigap.org Antigona Berisha-Lucaj Antigona is a Researcher at GAP Institute in the Center for Political Development. She joined GAP in December 2007 as an Office Manager. Antigona holds a Teacher Training Degree in English Language and Literature from SEE University in Tetova, Macedonia. She also holds a BA degree in English Language and Literature at AAB University in Prishtina. Antigona has nearly finished her Master studies in Public Relations and Marketing Communications at SEEU University, Skopje, Macedonia. Before she joined GAP, Antigona worked as an Interpreter at the Speaker s Office of the Assembly of Kosova, as well as a Project Assistant at the Italian NGO AVSI, and as a Finance Assistant at the Malaysian Liaison Office in Prishtina. antigona@institutigap.org Bekim Salihu Bekim is a Researcher at GAP Institute in the Center for Political Development, managing projects on local governance. He joined GAP Institute in May Bekim holds a Bachelor degree in Political Science from the University of Prishtina ( ), where he is also following his MA studies in the same field. He worked in Koha Ditore as a journalist for three years ( ). Before that, he worked for some time as a research journalist in the Balkan Investigative Research Network (BIRN). bekim@institutigap.org Ardiana Gjinolli-Ahmeti Ardiana is a Researcher at GAP Institute in the Sustainable Economic and Social Development Unit. She joined GAP Institute in February Ardiana graduated with a BA in Sociology from University of Prishtina. Before joining GAP Institute, she worked as a volunteer teacher for the summer school of Down Syndrome Kosova, Advocacy for Early Intervention programme for children with disabilities. She enriched her experience profile by working as a researcher and later on as a supervisor at Gallup International joint venture with INDEX Kosova. Ardiana also worked as a Project Assistant in Kosovo NGO Advocacy Project (KNAP), the Forum / ATRC. Ardiana participated in many small research projects and trainings that deal with social issues. ardiana@institutigap.org 40 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

22 Dren Pozhegu Dren is a Researcher at GAP Institute in the Sustainable Economic and Social Development Unit. He joined GAP in September Dren has finished undergraduate studies at the American University in Kosova, majoring in Economics and Statistics, and Public Policy. Previous to joining GAP, he worked as a researcher at Kosovar Stability Initiative, an Account Manager at Ogilvy Kosova, volunteered as a Youth Leader for Red Cross of Kosova, and served as the President of Student Government in American School of Kosova. dren@institutigap.org Nita Shala Nita joined GAP Institute in July 2012 as a Finance Assistant/Office Manager. Nita is currently attending her Bachelor Studies in Applied Arts and Sciences at the American University in Kosovo, majoring in Economics and Public Policy, with a minor in International Relations. Previous to joining GAP, she worked as an Account and Move Manager in Allied Pickfords Kosovo. She had an internship with Public International Law and Policy Group in the sphere of law enforcement and domestic violence and two other internships with ProCredit Bank and IPKO Telecommunications. nita@institutigap.org 28 people employed on regular employment contract 18 interns engaged in different research projects and 32 experts engaged on different projects with short term contracts Advisory Board Arianit Blakaj Arianit Blakaj is a banker at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) where he covers the bank and microfinance instiutions sector in Kosovo. He has a long experience in commercial banking sector; served as an external advisor to the Ministry of Finance ( ) where he was involved in drafting and analyzing of a great number of public policies. Arianit holds a BA degree in Business Economics from Middlesex University in United Kingdom and an MA degree in Economics and Finance from Leeds University. Astrit Istrefi Astrit Istrefi is Head of the Europe and Central Asia Programme at SaferWorld, UK. He has nine years experience in community development, humanitarian assistance, community safety and civil society development. He has previously worked in Kosovo for the Forum for Civic Initiatives and the East West Management Institute. He has also worked for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe s election department and with the International Organisation for Migration on Iraq out-of-country voting and in Afghanistan. During the Kosovo conflict, Astrit played a valuable voluntary role co-ordinating humanitarian assistance and providing accommodation for Kosovar refugees in Albania. He is active in a number of civic and cultural organizations in Kosovo. Ilir Hoxha Ilir Hoxha is a Medical Doctor, researcher and consultant from Kosovo. He holds a Medical Studies degree from University of Prishtina and Master of Science degree in Helath Systems Management from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In addition, he has record of research/academic experinces at New Bulgarian 42 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

23 University, American University in Kosovo, Dartmouth Medical School, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Technical University of Colorado and Karl Franzens University, Graz, Austria. In addition to work with a number of international organizations such as The World Bank, UNICEF, UNFPA, German Technical Cooperation, USAID, in Kosovo, he has been researcher and author in a number of papers. In 2009, he was awarded Fulbright Research Fellowship. Today he works for SOLIDAR Suisse as project advisor to the health dialogue program. Robert Austin Robert Clegg Austin (University of Toronto) is a specialist on East Central Europe and the Balkans in historic and contemporary perspective. In the past, Dr. Austin was a Tirana-based correspondent of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; a Slovak-based correspondent with The Economist Group of Publications; and a news writer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto. Austin has written articles for The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, Orbis, East European Politics and Societies, Southeast European Times and East European Quarterly along with numerous book chapters. He has lectured widely in Europe and North America. He now teaches at the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs and coordinates the Undergraduate Program in European Studies and the Hungarian Studies Program. His latest book, Founding a Balkan State - Albania s Experiment with Democracy, was just released with the University of Toronto Press in Spring Rinor Beka Rinor Beka is a Legislative Program Manager at National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Kosovo. Since 2006, he is engaged in implementing NDI programs supporting the work for the Assembly of Kosovo in building capacities for effective exercise of representative, legislative and monitoring functions. He has also been engaged for many years in projects and initiatives of different civil society organizations that aim the development and advancement of democracy in Kosovo. Before joining NDI, he worked for five years for a program of USA Department of Justice (ICITAP) in the Police Service School in Vushtrri. Rinor has finished his undergraduate and graduate studies in Political Science at University of Prishtina. Currently, he is pursuing his doctoral studies at Karl Franzens University in Graz, Austria. Alban Ibrahimi Alban Ibrahimi is the Executive Director of the private company Frutomania MOEA since July He has long experience working with the civil society and private sector. Before joining Frutomania MOEA, he worked as a Senior Project Manager ( ), Project Manager ( ), managed START project ( ) and as a coordinaor for monitoring and evaluation ( ) at CARE International Kosova. Alban also worked as Grant Manager for Institute for Sustainable Communities ( ). Kreshnik Berisha Kreshnik Berisha is a communications expert, creative writer, screenwriter and manager with long experience in marketing, civil society, film production, and journalism. During his engagement in civil sociey, although in his twenties, Kreshnik was engaged as a co-leader in the successful campaign for opening of Parliamentary Committees meetings to the public; drafting the Law on Access to Public Documents; drafting the Action Plan of the Government of Kosovo on Anti Corruption (sponsored by European Council); writing the Communications Strategy on Public Administration Reform, etc. 44 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

24 46 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

25 Annex I: GAP Policy Briefs From December 2007 till October 2012, GAP published 29 policy briefs. In the following pages we will provide an overview of all policy briefs that GAP has published to date, their impact in public policies and their overall impact on the debate. Policy Brief #1: An analysis on the Potential Closing of the Kosovo-Serbia border - Current Trends of Trade Published: December 20 th 2007 On the eve of the declaration of independence of Kosovo, Serbia threatened with closing the border with Kosovo. Through this threat, Serbia aimed to prevent the Serbian producers to export in Kosovo, to prevent Kosovar exporters to export to Serbia, as well as to restrict the use of its territory for goods coming to and from Kosovo. The possibility of potential closure of the border with Serbia caused some panic amongst citizens, who feared that prices of basic products would increase. With the aim to provide information to citizens and recommendations to local institutions and traders, GAP Institute published an analysis that provided facts that the market in Kosovo will not be destabilized from such a blockade. And, the biggest loser from such step would be the Serbian state itself and the producers from this country, during which time they exported to Kosovo in an annual value of 200 million Euros. Kosovo declared independence on 17 February Serbia never materialized its threat to close the borders. Policy Brief #2: Joining International Financial Institutions - the road ahead Published: February 19 th 2008 Following the declaration of independence, the challenge of the new state of Kosovo was securing recognitions from other states, joining international organizations and sustainable economic development. GAP Institute through the analysis Joining International Financial Institutions - the road ahead, described the process of joining the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and recommended that Government of Kosovo starts immediately the procedures for membership. Immediately in March 2008, the Government of Kosovo, after securing 40 recognitions, began the procedures to join IMF and WB. After securing the necessary voting quota for membership, Kosovo was officially admitted in IMF and WB groups in 29 June Policy Brief#3: Kosovo Foreign Debt - the main principles Published: February 29 th 2008 During negotiations for the resolution of the final status, parties also negotiated the foreign debt, which was borrowed by ex-yugoslavia and was inherited later by the Union of Serbia and Montenegro and finally by Serbia. The Serbian state claimed that Serbia would no longer pay Kosovo s debt, which according to them was 1.2 billion US Dollars. This debt was owned to World Bank and to the Paris and the London Club. Through the policy brief Kosovo Foreign Debt - the main principles, GAP recommended to the Government of Kosovo to take over the debt, only for those projects that were invested in Kosovo. To realize this, a wide analysis was required to identify projects within the territory of Kosovo which were conducted by means borrowed from the ex-yugoslav state. 48 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

26 After Kosovo s membership in the IMF and World Bank, Kosovo took over the payment of its foreign debt. Since 2010, Kosovo regularly pays the debt in the amount of 11 million Euros per year. Policy Brief #4: Kosovo in International Agreements Published: March 23 rd 2008 Based on the Ahtisaari Package, within the transitional period of 120 days following the declaration of independence, UNMIK should have transferred all the competences to local institutions. However, since the Ahtisaari Plan and Kosovo s independence were not recognized through the Security Council, UNMIK s legal presence continued after the declaration of independence. All bilateral and multilateral agreements, in which Kosovo was part of, were signed by UNMIK on behalf of Kosovo. Even after the declaration of independence, the Member States in these multilateral organizations did not accept Kosovo s representation, without the presence of representatives of UNMIK. Through the analysis Kosovo in International Agreements, GAP requested from the Government of Kosovo, that prior to June 15th 2008, to sends a letter to all the countries with which it has bilateral agreements, and to secretariats of international organizations to inform them that after June 15th 2008, Kosovo takes all responsibilities arising from agreements signed by UNMIK on behalf of Kosovo. Government of Kosovo, at the suggestion of international partners, never took a decision to be solely represented in multilateral forums. The biggest problems were encountered with CEFTA, where Serbia and Bosnia, two member states which have not recognized Kosovo s independence, did not allow Kosovo to take part in meetings without the presence of UNMIK since the second part of 2008 when the Government of Kosovo took the decision to change the stamps from UNMIK Customs to Kosovo Customs. Serbia and Bosnia blocked Kosovo goods to be exported in these two countries or to use the territory of their states for transit goods. Policy Brief #5: Council of Europe and Kosovo Published: April 8 th 2008 At the request of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, GAP Institute conducted a research and presented it at a public hearing organized by this committee of the Assembly. Through this research, GAP informed MPs on procedures, conditions, obligations and benefits that arise from Kosovo s membership in the Council of Europe. At the end of the analysis, GAP recommended local institutions to prepare to join this international mechanism by describing the concrete steps needed to be taken. Following the public hearing, the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration asked the Presidency to include in the agenda of one of upcoming plenary session the membership of Kosovo in the Council of Europe. The initiative of the Committee was not supported by the Assembly Presidency and by other institutions. Four years after independence, Kosovo has not done enough toward membership in Council of Europe. One of the main obstacles remains the refusal of Russia, Serbia and other countries that have not recognized Kosovo. However, the majority of member states of CoE have recognized the independence of Kosovo. Accepting new countries in CoE is done with majority of votes and Kosovo has real possibilities for membership. On the proceedings of the Public hearing of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, more could be found at the official web page of the Assembly of Kosovo: Policy Brief #6: Parliamentary Committee on Auditing Published: October 2 nd, 2008 Despite numerous violations identified in the management of public finances, reports from the Auditor General s Office, remain written on paper, but with no practical effect. Through an analysis on Parliamentary Committee on Auditing, GAP institute called for the creation of a new parliamentary committee, responsible for reviewing the reports of the Auditor General, and play an active role in the oversight of public finances. In this analysis, GAP provided concrete recommendations, on the how such committee would look like, as well as its structure and mandate. 50 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

27 On October 23, 2008, GAP in cooperation with FOL Movement, organized a debate on this topic. Representatives from the Assembly and the Office of the Auditor General were among the key stakeholders participating in the event. On June 9, 2009, the Assembly established the Committee for Oversight of Public Finances (Public Accounts Committee). As proposed in the GAP analysis, the Assembly decided to have the committee chaired by an opposition MP. GAP Institute issued a press statement welcoming the establishment of this committee. Policy Brief #7: Kosovo air space No trespassing Published: December 18 th, 2008 Since 1999, civil aircrafts flying to Kosovo or from Kosovo cannot use the air entrances from the Serbian air space. As such the airplanes have to fly all the way around, and enter Kosovo air space through Macedonian border. This increases the time and cost of traveling, as well as the air pollution. GAP Analysis on the Kosovo s airspace was presented at a conference opened on December 18, Representatives of KFOR, Association of airlines, Civil Aviation Regulatory Office, foreign embassies in Kosovo, and experts of environmental issues were among the participants in the conference. In its analysis, GAP recommended Kosovo authorities to begin negotiations with NATO and international civil aviation authorities to find a solution for unlocking two air corridors (UL680 and UM867). GAP argued that opening of air corridors will result in shortening the time of travel, reducing costs for airline companies as well as passengers and decreasing the CO2 level in the atmosphere, as aircrafts would spend less time in the Kosovo s air space. In early 2009, Montenegro agreed to allow its airspace to aircrafts flying to and from Kosovo. This agreement had led to shortening of flight time for 30 minutes, spending less fuel and emission of less CO2 in the atmosphere. As a result of this agreement, on September 24, 2009 British Airways became the first airline company to reduce the price of tickets for 15%. On the occasion of announcing the new prices for their flights, British Airways expressed its gratitude to GAP Institute, for its commitment and contribution provided on this issue. However, the access through two air corridors from Serbia still remains blocked. Unblocking of these two corridors and opening of the airspace for aircraft to and from Kosovo, is expected to be among the topics to be discussed in negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia. Policy Brief #8: Copenhagen Economic Criteria What Kosovo needs to do? Published: June 24, 2009 European Union membership is the main goal for Kosovo, as newly created state. But, the road to membership is long and with tough criteria that need to be met. Meeting the economic criteria is the most challenging task for Kosovo. Through the analysis on Copenhagen Economic Criteria - what Kosovo needs to do? GAP Institute provided an overview of the criteria that must be met, and analyzed Kosovo s position against these criteria. GAP analysis was presented during a large public conference. Representatives of the Prime Minister s Office, members of the Assembly and the European Commission Office in Kosovo were among the participants. Key recommendations outlined in this analysis included: being more careful when drafting the Mid-term Expenditure Framework, eliminating the unplanned and ad-hoc expenditures, reducing activities with the European Partnership Action Plan and carefully select activities which make substantial changes, and ensure great inclusion of other relevant stakeholders in the debates and closer cooperation between the Assembly and the Government. Kosovo has not done enough to ensure fiscal discipline. Mid-term Expenditure Framework further remains an unimplemented document. There has been some progress, however, with regard to the European Partnership Action Plan (EPAP). While the 2009 EPAP contained 1502 activities (measures) to be fulfilled, in the coming years EPAP contained less activity, and more oriented towards concrete results (EPAP 2010 contained 1000 activities, and EPAP 2011 contained 400 activities). Reducing of EPAP activities was among key recommendations outlined in the GAP analysis, arguing that EPAP should outline only activities, that can allow for substantial change, and which are doable considering the circumstances. In 2011 the Government approved the Action Plan with 10 key priorities for 2011, which was focused and oriented towards concrete goals. In practice, however, the Government of Kosovo has not done enough in the implementation of action plans. On the other 52 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

28 hand, through direct contacts and advocacy campaigns GAP has requested the implementation of these plans, and provided concrete assistance in the process. Policy Brief #9: Progress Report 2009-challenges Published: November 6, 2009 Following the publication of the Progress Report for Kosovo for year 2009, the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration organized a public hearing, in which GAP institute was among think tanks invited to attend. At this public hearing, GAP presented a comparative study for all EU Commission progress reports for Kosovo since The study presented to members of the Assembly of Kosovo highlighted that 2009 Progress Report was the most negative report issued to Kosovo, revealing numerous challenges had to be addressed by the local institutions. European Commission s progress reports for Kosovo in the following years have not reflected much of a progress in Kosovo. GAP Institute has been part of the working group of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, responsible for drafting the Action Plan for addressing challenges identified in the 2009 progress report. GAP has consistently participated in hearings organized by the European Commission Liaison Office in Prishtina to discuss the progress of Kosovo, and has actively participated in all related events organized by local institutions. Government can do better planning of the legislative agenda. Recommendations of GAP Institute in this regard were the following: ministries should assess their capacities and decide on the number of draft laws they can prepare within a year. Based on these estimates, the annual legislative strategy should contain less draft laws; the Government should submit the draft laws in the Assembly in timely manner as envisaged in the legislative strategy; the Assembly should be more active in fulfilling the legislative strategy, because it directly impacts the annual work plan of the Assembly and its committees. Even in the following years, 2010 and 2011, the Government of Kosovo provided a legislative strategy which contained a large number of draft laws. At the end of the year it was clear that the Government did not have the capacity to draft and approve not even half of the draft laws provided in legislative strategy. But even if the Government would submit all the draft laws in the Assembly, the Assembly would not have sufficient capacity to review and pass over 100 draft laws per year. As such, the Progress Report for Kosovo, criticized the Government for not implementing its legislative strategy. On 29 April 2011, GAP Institute has introduced an updated version of this analysis in a joint conference organized in the Assembly of Kosovo. Committee chairpersons, representatives of legal offices in ministries, Assembly Secretariat and civil society organizations were among the participants. (See the news article on the official website of the Assembly: org/?cid=1,128,3690). In November 2011, GAP presented an updated study, which provided an overview on the implementation of the Legislative Strategy for 2011, including the timeliness, and recommendations for further improvements in Policy Brief #10: Facts on Legislative Strategy Published: February 22, 2010 Legislative Strategy is among the most important public documents, which sets the legislative work plan for the Government and the Assembly. However, to date the annual legislative strategies of the Government have never been fully implemented. GAP Institute through this analysis has provided evidence of why legislative strategy is unimplemented document and which are the measures that can be undertaken to ensure that in the following years, the Assembly and the Policy Brief #11: Regulating employment in Kosovo - Labor law and its implementation Published: June 28, 2010 Labor law has been among the most controversial laws in Kosovo. Worker unions were the one insisting to have the law adopted. The Draft Law on Labor submitted in the Assembly, by the Government of Kosovo numerous times has been withdrawn on the grounds of high financial implications. In June 2010, the Government submitted the draft law in the Assembly for the third time. GAP 54 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

29 Institute analyzed the Draft Law on Labor and provided an analysis with specific recommendations for improving it content wise. During an open conference held on June 26, 2010, GAP presented this analysis to members of the Assembly, trade unions, private businesses, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Two days after the introduction of the analysis for the Labor Law, GAP was invited by the Assembly to present the findings of this analysis in a public hearing organized by the Committee on Health, Labor and Social Welfare. (See the news on the hearing. in the Assembly s official website: org/?cid=1,128,3252) In July, GAP analysis was also presented in two public hearings organized by the Informal Group of Women MPs and Informal group of Young MPs. These hearings were primarily focused on provisions related to maternity leave and employment of youth (See the news on the hearing. in the Assembly s official website: On November 2, 2010, the Assembly adopted the Labor Law. GAP Institute recommendations were included in the final version of the Law. Policy Brief #12: Access to Public Documents Published: July 16, 2010 In 2010 the Government of Kosovo submitted to the Assembly the Draft Law for Access to Public Documents, which was supposed to replace the Law on Access to Official Documents. In order to support the process of amending the Draft Law on Access to Public Documents, GAP Institute sent an analysis to the Committee on Public Administration, Local Government and Media. This analysis included information on the key obstacles faced by the civil society organizations and the media during the implementation of the Law on Access to Official Documents. The analysis also provided concrete recommendations on how to overcome those obstacles through the new Law on Access to Public Documents. The analysis and suggestions provided by GAP were discussed in two meetings of the Committee on Public Administration, Local Government and Media. The Law on Access to Public Documents was approved in the Assembly on October 7, 2010, and entered into force on December 10, GAP Institute has expressed its dissatisfaction with the fact that the law has not been implemented in practice. These dissatisfactions were revealed in a public hearing organized by the Committee for Education, Culture, Youth, Sports, Public Administration, Local Government and Media, on July 20, 2011.(see the news article on the public hearing in the official website of the Assembly of Kosovo: org/?cid=1,128,3926). Policy Brief #13: Law on Prishtina Published: September 20, 2010 In accordance with Article 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, the status and organization of the capital city is provided by a special law. On April 23, 2009, the Government approved the draft law on the city of Prishtina, but it has not been sent to the Assembly until June 29, On September 20, 2010, upon the invitation of the Committee on Public Administration, Local Government and Media, GAP presented the analysis on the Law on Prishtina. In this analysis, GAP raised concerns with regard to procedural violations during the approval of the draft laws in the Government, and the manner in which it was received by the Assembly. The analysis also provides comments on the draft law, in terms of its incompatibility with other applicable laws, municipal boundaries, financial cost and creation of the Metropolitan Area. After the public hearing, the Committee decided to return the draft law to the Government, requiring inclusion of proposed changes. Due to early parliamentary elections and the dissolution of the Assembly, the draft law has not been approved in GAP Institute continues to contribute in other reports, as part of the project Municipal IDs. 56 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

30 Policy Brief #14: Kosovo Progress Reports - (Mis) Understandings and (Mis) Interpretations Published: November 24, 2010 Following the publication of the 2010 Progress Report for Kosovo, GAP conducted a comparative and interpretative study of the report, similar to the publication for the progress report issued in the previous year (see analysis # 9). Following the publication of progress reports, the public opinion is always polarized into those who hold the report to be positive (ruling parties) and those who hold the report to be negative (opposition parties, independent media and civil society). With the aim of supporting this debate, GAP issued an analysis that provided a clear understanding of the progress report. According to the analysis, Progress Report for 2010 is more positive than that of 2009, but there still remain more challenges, than real progress. GAP was part of discussions and efforts to address the challenges identified in the progress report. GAP has identified ten problematic areas revealed in the Progress Report for These areas were included in Annual Work Plan of GAP Institute. GAP planned several activities to contribute concretely and support local institutions in addressing these challenges. Throughout 2011, GAP contributed directly or indirectly in addressing the following challenges identified in the Progress Report: strengthening of the Assembly, implementation of the Law on Labor, finding alternatives for financing RTK, energy sector development, access to public documents the Law on executive branch, legislative strategy, visa liberalization, etc. Policy Brief #15: Ahtisaari Laws, consequences and lessons learned from the adoption of these laws in an accelerated procedure Published: January, 28, 2011 During the period from February to June 2010, the Assembly adopted 50 laws through an accelerated procedure, without parliamentary debate and public involvement in the drafting of those laws. Even after the 120 day transition period (as foreseen by the Ahtisaari package), the Government and the Parliament used the same Rule for amending these laws. After and extensive research, GAP institute analyzed the implementation of these laws, and indicated that adoption of these laws through an accelerated procedure, resulted with major deficiencies in terms of content, and most importantly with the public viewing them as imposed legislation. GAP recommended the Government and the Assembly to amend these laws, but to ensure that the regular law making procedure is applied, allowing for an open debate and greater inclusion of civil society organizations. This analysis was presented during an open debate held on January 28, Representatives of ICO, the Assembly, the Government and civil society organizations were among the participants. In 2011, numerous laws of Ahtisari s package were submitted in the Assembly, to be amended and supplemented. Moreover, the last two laws of this package: the Law on Historical Center of Prizren and the Law on Hoça e Madhe were also submitted for review and approval. It is important to note however, that the Assembly did not apply the rule on accelerated legislative procedure, for none of the above mentioned processes. As part of this project, GAP drafted and presented individual analysis for some of the laws deriving from this package, such as the Law on Telecommunications, Laws for privatization of Socially Owned Enterprises and a special analysis on the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. Policy Brief #16: Increasing regional cooperation through lowering of roaming charged in the Western Balkans Published: February 22, 2011 There is a very limited cooperation among the Western Balkans countries (Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Bosnia). Despite the high mobility of people and goods between these countries, once you cross the borders, you will be automatically connected to mobile operators that charge tariffs up to 10 times higher than domestic ones. This presents an obstacle in communication and integration. Through this analysis, GAP argued that reduction of roaming tariffs in accordance with the EuroTariff model and creation of BalkanTariff would increase integration and provide benefits to companies, by easing communication. To accomplish this, GAP recommended creation of a joint board telecommunications regulatory authority and additional agreements 58 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

31 between mobile operators to lower roaming prices. This analysis also provided information on roaming prices for all operators in the Balkans. GAP analysis was presented during a public debate held on February 22. Representatives of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, telephone companies and the European Commission were among the participants. There is yet no agreement between the telecommunication regulatory authorities. Telecommunication companies have various agreements between them, but high roaming tariffs are still in place. During the summer season, characterized with greater flow of people, particularly towards the coastal areas, companies have offered lower roaming tariffs and informed their customers which networks to access once they cross the border. In addition to presentation of the analysis within Kosovo, GAP has forwarded it to governmental institutions in the region, as well as the media and civil society organizations. In light of the meeting of the Presidents of the Western Balkan countries, this analysis was also sent to the President of Kosovo, to serve as a platform for negotiations. The analysis was also presented in the offices of the European Commission in Brussels. In negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia, launched in April 2011, the issue of the blockade of goods was included in one of the discussion points. After Serbia s refusal to take part in talks in July 2011, which was expected to discuss the issue of custom seals, on July 20 Ministry of Trade and Industry decided to block goods from Serbia and Bosnia. In the next round of talks on September 2 in Brussels, they reached an agreement on custom seals, to allow goods from Kosovo in and through Serbia. Bosnia agreed under the same terms too. On September 16, the Government of Kosovo removed the blockade for goods from Serbia and Bosnia. However, Serbia did not respect the agreement on freedom of movement of goods, and continued to cause obstacles to Kosovar producers in exporting their goods. As argued in the analysis presented by GAP, the blockade of goods from Serbia and Bosnia will push businesses in these two countries to put pressure on their governments to open borders for goods coming from Kosovo. Faced with the risk of losing market of about 300 million euros annually, Serbia would be forced to comply with the agreement for free movement of goods. This is exactly what happened. Policy Brief #17: Kosovo and CEFTA: In or Out? Published: Mars 9, 2011 Since July 2007, Kosovo is a full-fledged member of CEFTA. But, even three years after the declaration of independence, Kosovo is represented in this CEFTA by UNMIK. Since December 2008, Serbia and Bosnia, not only refused representation of Kosovo without UNMIK, but Serbia and Bosnia went e step further by blocking the export of goods from Kosovo in these countries or through these countries. Their justification for the decision was the change in the seals of customs from for UNMIK Customs to Kosovo Customs. As a consequence of this blockade, Kosovo businesses have lost market in these two countries, and faced a cost increase for exporting goods towards the EU countries. Through the analysis Kosovo and CEFTA - to be or not to be? GAP provided statistical data on exports and imports, and recommended overcoming the status quo through the following scenarios: blocking goods from Serbia and Bosnia, imposing quota on imports from these two countries, or, as a last option, exiting from CEFTA and conclude individual agreements with CEFTA member states that have recognized the Republic of Kosovo. Policy Brief #18: The legal conflict regarding the privatization of socially owned enterprises Published: April 28, 2011 In the framework of the project focused on analysis of laws deriving from Ahtisaari s package, approved through accelerated procedure, GAP released an analysis of the laws on privatization of Socially Owned Enterprises. This publication provided an analysis of the legal basis, particularly problems related to handling of complaints in the special chamber, the privatization fund, property disputes etc. The analysis recommended adoption of a new law on the Special Chamber of the Supreme Court, which would replace UNMIK regulation, adoption of the special law on denationalization, adoption of the law on the reorganization and liquidation of enterprises and their assets (replacement of UNMIK regulation) and amending the Law on Privatization Agency. In July 2011, the Government submitted in the Assembly, three draft laws related to the privatization of Socially Owned Enterprises: Draft Law on the 60 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

32 Special Chamber of the Supreme Court on matters relating to the Kosovo Privatization Agency, Draft Law on the Privatization Agency and the Draft aw on the reorganization of certain enterprises and their assets. These laws were adopted by the Assembly, in September Policy Brief #19: Kosovo Constitution a Swiss cheese Published: May 5, 2011 As part of series of analysis related to documents deriving from the Ahtisaari s package, GAP conducted an analysis on the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. Just as laws related to the status of Kosovo, the Constitution was adopted through an accelerated procedure, without debate, and even with member of the Assembly being deprived of the right to comment on its content. Consequently, the obstacles to its implementation were evident immediately after the adoption. Despite numerous obstacles in the implementation of the Constitution, leaders of the three largest parties in Kosovo, agreed to amend the Constitution only to allow for direct election of the President. To avoid a situation where the amendments to the Constitution are made under the accelerated procedure and without debate, GAP requested the process to be transparent and ensure that the public is informed about proposed amendments to the Constitution. In April 2011, the Assembly established an ad hoc committee responsible for preparing amendments to the Constitution. On May , the Chairman of the committee invited GAP Institute to a meeting with representatives of civil society organizations. Ad Hoc committee for amending the Constitution invited GAP to attend all meetings and events organized by the Committee. The work of the committee was well covered by the media, and to date the process has been transparent. As of October 11, members of the constitutional committee will hold town hall meetings. Policy Brief #20: The Implementation of Labor Law in the first six months Published: June 14, 2011 A year after the publication of the analysis Regulation of Labor Relations in Kosovo - the law and its implementation, and six months after entry to force of the Labor Law, GAP organized a public conference to present the analysis Implementation of the Labor Law in the first six months. Representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Members of the Assembly, workers unions, civil society organization and the media attended the event. GAP analysis was focused on the problems encountered during the implementation of the law and identified the following key obstacles: 1. Limited budget of the Government for the implementation of the law; 2. Inadequate capacity of Labor Inspectorate; 3. Large number of court cases and 4. Failure of private sector to implement the law. The analysis provided concrete recommendations on how to overcome problems in implementation. An increase of the budget allocated for the implementation of the Labor Law (especially the budget for maternity leave) and improvements in the capacity of the labor inspectorate (increasing the number of inspectors and improving working conditions), were two main recommendations outlined in the GAP analysis. GAP recommended that during the mid term review of the Law on Budget, which takes place in July 2011, the Government should introduce the necessary amendments. However, the Government decided not to revise the Law on Budget for 2011 at all. It remains to be seen, whether the budget for 2012 will incorporate these changes. Even the European Commission s progress report on Kosovo for 2011, published on October 12, raises the same concerns as GAP did in its analysis. Policy Brief #21: Law on Government Published: July 5, 2011 Three years after the declaration of independence, the Government of Kosovo still does not work based on a special law for its operation. In the absence of such law and due to the gaps in the legislation, major problems 62 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

33 were encountered with regard to the powers of a government under resignation, and who should decide on the number of ministerial portfolios under such circumstances. In its analysis published on July 5, 2011, GAP institute argued for the need to have a special law for the government, and provided concrete recommendations on what should be covered by the law. In August 2011, the Government of Kosovo approved the Draft Law on the Government and submitted it to the Assembly for review and adoption. On September 23, 2011 the Assembly approved the draft law on the Government in the fist reading. On September 28, the committee responsible for reviewing and amending the draft law invited GAP to attend a roundtable with other civil society organizations. The analysis provided by GAP for the Law on the Government, was the only analysis specific to this draft law. Until the final approval of the draft law by the Assembly, GAP will continue its work with the Committee on Education, Science, Technology, Sports, Public Administration, Local Government and Media. Policy Brief #22: Financial Sustainability of RTK: Finding alternatives to public broadcaster financing Published: October 12, 2011 Kosovo has one public TV broadcaster and two public radio stations. Since their establishment, their financial sustainability has always been at risk. In this study, GAP Institute analyzed the financial sustainability of RTK, by elaborating previous means of financing and those provided in the Draft for Public Broadcasting in Kosovo. GAP Institute estimates that the best method for financing RTK is through subscription. In this analysis, GAP also presented a number of possible ways to implement the subscription for RTK. This analysis was presented during an open debate, in the presence of the Chairman of the RTK Board, RTK Managing Director, members of the parliamentary committee on media and representatives of the International Civilian Office. The analysis was well received by members of the parliamentary committee. They expressed their willingness to use the analysis in the process of reviewing and amending the Draft Law on Public Broadcasters. European Commission Progress Report on Kosovo for year 2011, released on the same day when GAP published this analysis, criticized the Assembly for not making enough efforts to provide sustainable funding for RTK. Funding of RTK through the state budget is not the appropriate form of financing for public broadcasters. Some GAP recommendations were incorporated in the final draft of this law. Policy Brief #23: Remittances from Afghanistan and their impact in Kosovo s economy Published: November 22, 2011 A large number of Kosovars are currently employed in Afghanistan. According to the data collected by GAP Institute, around 2,100 Kosovo currently work in Afghanistan. Kosovars in Afghanistan work mainly as mechanics, truck drivers, carpenters, equipment maintenance, etc. Salaries for these employees are deposited in their bank accounts in Kosovo. According to the data collected in Kosovo s commercial banks, it appears that Kosovars working in Afghanistan make a total of million per year. As such, revenues from Kosovars working in Afghanistan are the highest income per capita, if compared with remittances from other countries. A comparison of remittances from Afghanistan and other countries shows that after Germany and Switzerland, Afghanistan in the third country with the largest remittances in cash. Until the publication of this analysis, the Government of Kosovo failed to build an institutional connection with this category of employees, companies that recruited them or the country in which they were working. This analysis provided recommendations on how public institutions can keep records of these Kosovar citizens working in the war zones; recommended that remittances from this country are calculated by the Central Bank in its annual analysis of remittances, and also recommended commercial banks to lowered transfer tariffs for remittances, as Kosovar employees in Western countries use the banking system more often when transferring money to Kosovo. This would allow for clearer picture on the remittances from Kosovar emigrants. 64 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

34 Policy Brief #24: A Proper Functioning of a Parliamentary Research Service Published: December 19, 2011 Although 10 years have passed since the establishment of the Assembly, development of the parliamentary research unit is still in the initial stage of consolidating its capacities needed to assist members in the decision-making processes. In this analysis, GAP provided recommendations on the role of parliamentary research service and measures that need to be taken by the Assembly to ensure efficient functioning of the research service. The report argues that parliamentary research service can improve the legislative process in the Assembly and also to assist members in carrying out the oversight function over the executive. This report analyzes services to be provided by the research unit, but also services that shall not be provided. At the same time the report provides recommendations for hiring and training of parliamentary research staff. Following the analysis, the Assembly has signed a memorandum of cooperation with GAP Institute, for the latter to assist in strengthening of the parliamentary research unit with analysis and expertise. This service recently employed three additional researchers, and currently has a staff of five people. Today, GAP is considered one of the main partners of the Research Service. Policy Brief #25: The Economic Impact of DokuFest Published: March 4, 2012 DokuFest is one of the most known and successful short film and documentary festivals in the world. The impact of DokuFest in the cultural life of the country has already been recognized by many experts of this field. However, the impact of DokuFest in the economy of Kosovo in general and the Municipality of Prizren in particular, has never been assessed and recognized. In this analysis GAP concludes that the economic impact DokuFest in 2011 was at least 3.1 million euros. The 11th festival, which is to be held in July 2012, is expected to have an economic impact of 4.6 million euros. It is important to note that the overall economic impact for the period from 2011 to 2014 is estimated to be over 17 million euros. By highlighting its economic benefits in addition to cultural values, GAP analysis added more value to the festival. This analysis allowed the sponsors of the festival to understand its economic value. The analysis shows that the direct beneficiaries of the DokuFest festival are local businesses in the town of Prizren, such as: coffee-bars, restaurants, retailers, hotels, landlords, etc.., but also businesses at the national level, such as airline companies, banks or telecommunications companies. GAP will conduct the same study for the upcoming DokuFest festival. Policy Brief #26: The Budget of Kosovo Police - needs for additional funds and better financial planning Published: March 29, 2012 In this study, GAP Institute analyzed the general budget of the Kosovo Police, the current budget and the budget allocated in previous years since Considering the challenges such as the need to increase professional and logistical capacity in combating complex crimes, GAP recommended an increase of the budget allocated for capital investments during the mid year review of the state budget. Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Government should allocate more funds to the Kosovo Police, in order to accomplish objectives outlined in the Kosovo Police Development Plan , but also the priority of the Government to combat corruption and organized crime. This analysis provided a general overview to the decision makers on how the Kosovo Police budget is spent, arguing at the same time the need to increase the overall budget allocated for the security sector. The overall budget of the Kosovo Police has been slightly increased since the publication of the analysis. 66 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

35 Policy Brief #27: Law on Economic Zones: its impact in the development of business parks Published: May 18, 2012 A number of business parks exist in Kosovo. Operation in these areas provides investors with a number of advantages such as easier access to infrastructure, access to main roads and affordable rent and greater certainty for businesses. However, investors face numerous problems too. Today, most business parks are semi-functional. Due to delays in building the infrastructure of the parks, there is a mix of business activities within a park that at times endanger each other, there are business incubators with no businesses, and there are parks initiated on the basis of public-private model that have failed completely. This analysis reflects the current situation in some of the business parks in Kosovo. In this analysis, GAP provides a set of recommendations on how the new Law on Economic Zones should be more comprehensive and create more incentives to attract foreign investors. Few months after the publication of the analysis, GAP was invited by the Parliamentary Committee for Economic Development to present its recommendations for the new draft law. Further, GAP was also invited to participate in the proceedings of the working group authorized by the committee to prepare amendments to the draft law. Policy Brief #28: The privatization process and asset value of KEK Energy Distribution and Supply Network (KEDS) Published: October 1, 2012 Following the Government s decision to sell KEDS for 26.3 million euros, GAP Institute provided this publication with the intent to provide an overview of the real value of KEDS assets, especially KEK investments made in energy network in the period GAP concludes that the value of all investments in the energy network for the period is estimated to be 55 million euros. Despite the data provided by GAP Institute on the value of investments in KEDS, the Government continued the process of selling this valuable asset. However, GAP has filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Economic Development for the prohibition of access to public documents related to the privatization of this asset. The trial is expected to begin soon. Policy Brief #29: Population Census Data and their Impact on Public Policies Published: October 12, 2012 This GAP analysis indicated the impact the recent census results, on the number of employees in the public sector, the impact census results in allocating grants for municipalities, compares census data against the voters list and analyzes the reserved seats in the Assembly from the perspective of the census. This analysis also revealed the gap between statistics resulting from the census and statistics currently used by Kosovo institutions in terms of the number of pensioners and social assistance recipients. This publication provided interesting comparative data with regard to statistics in which decision makers were based so far, and new statistics that have emerged as a result of the census. Findings of this analysis precede the changes that will occur in the coming years in terms of the allocation of grants to municipalities in Kosovo, the changes are expected to occur in the number of municipal administration staff, and updates of the voter lists before the next elections take place. 68 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

36 Annex II: Reports GAP has so far published 55 various reports: 46 reports on local governance (municipalities), 5 annual reports for IREX project - Media Sustainability Index and 4 reports on other topics, such as: Review of Private Higher Education in Kosovo (2008), Kosovo s Foreign Policy from February 17, 2008 until February 17, 2009 (2009), Progress Report Made in Kosovo (2010) and Energy Projects in Kosovo (2010). Below, we present a brief summary of some of the GAP reports. GAP Report #1: A Review of Private Higher Education in Kosovo Published: May 27, 2008 At the time when public institutions supported establishment of private universities without any criteria, GAP issued a report providing an overview of all private higher education institutions in Kosovo. The report revealed legal violations, the number and qualifications of personnel employed in private high education institutions, the number of students and learning space, working and learning conditions, etc. This overview on providers of private higher education was the first of its kind in Kosovo and was intended to serve as a reference point for all those students who do not have sufficient knowledge of where to study. The purpose of this report was also to offer a clear picture to the public institutions responsible for accreditation. Following the publication of GAP analysis in 2008, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) made an agreement with the British Council to manage the process of accreditation of all private institutions for higher education. Data provided by GAP were extensively used by the British Accreditation Council experts, and considered to be a powerful report. Further, GAP report A Review of Private Higher Education in Kosovo remains one of the only reports of this kind in Kosovo and GAP aims to continue publication of such reports and analysis about the education sector in general. GAP Report #2: Kosovo s Foreign Policy - from 17 February 2008 until 17 February Published: February 20, 2009 Kosovo declared independence on February 17, But, Kosovo did not have a diplomatic service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until June 15, In the first year following the Declaration of Independence, Kosovo in cooperation with the states supporting its independence, launched a diplomatic offensive states to ensure recognition from more states. At the same, Serbia continued to lobby against recognition of Kosovo s independent state. With the aim of providing a clear overview of all activities in the area of foreign policy, during the year, by the Kosovo s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international community and Serbia, GAP released a report providing a chronology of events during this period and an analysis of the dynamics of the creation of Kosovo s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic service. The analysis put together by GAP, was presented in a joint press conference with the Club for Foreign Affairs. Representatives of public institutions, political parties and foreign embassies in Prishtina were among the participants in the event. More than three years after the declaration of independence, the MFA and Kosovo s diplomatic service still face problems to consolidate and become fully functional. The Government of Kosovo has created multiple centers responsible for foreign policy, and this has led to confusion and overlapping of competencies. Until October 2011, Kosovo has been recognized by 81 countries and is still far from achieving the number of recognitions needed to secure membership in the UN. The process of recognitions has slowed down significantly after the first year of the declaration of independence. GAP Report #3: Progress Report - Made in Kosova Published: October 25, 2010 European Commission annually publishes the progress report for Kosovo. Progress Report is one of the most important documents enlisting numerous challenges that must be addressed by public institutions. Due to the very careful usage of the language in the report, however, it is (mis) interpreted differently by the ruling parties and the opposition parties. With the aim providing a local perspective of Kosovo s progress during the year, six civil society organizations, published Progress Report - Made 70 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

37 in Kosovo. Using a more direct language, but the same methodology as that of the European Commission, the report was published a week before EC released the 2011 Progress Report for Kosovo. The section on economy and public procurement, outlined in the report, was prepared by GAP. On November 2, 2010 the European Commission released the 2011 Progress Report for Kosovo. The report developed by the civil society organizations, envisaged at large what was expected to be covered in the EC progress report for Kosovo. The tradition of developing the Made in Kosovo progress reports will continue in the upcoming years. GAP Report #4: Energy Projects in Kosovo Published: September 7, 2011 In a joint effort with KIPRED and FIQ, GAP participated in the study of civil society organizations associated with the energy projects in Kosovo. The report Energy Projects in Kosovo was a result of a six-month study. This report analyzed the overall performance of energy projects in Kosovo. The report revealed a number of conclusions and recommendations for local institutions and the World Bank, which is involved in the process. The report highlighted the lack of transparency, non accountability of the institutions towards the public, the lack of adequate studies in the field of energy and raises the dilemma of how to manage the two processes of privatization: privatization of energy production and privatization of the energy network. The report Energy Projects in Kosovo was covered by the local and international media ( Following the publication, the Ministry for Economic Development, responsible for energy projects in Kosovo, reacted against the report calling it not professional, not credible, not based in facts and intents to badly inform the public. (Source: net/?page=1,42,377). However, the Ministry for Economic Development did not present any facts to challenge arguments presented in the report developed by KIPRED, GAP and FIQ. On 29 September 2011, Ministry for Economic Development organized a conference to publicly deny the facts on the energy projects revealed by the civil society. The ministry did not allow space for the authors of the report to defend the findings presented in the report Energy Projects in Kosovo. The event was boycotted by the civil society, as the Ministry refused to include them in the agenda. (News: On October 9, 2011, one of the daily newspapers in Kosovo published a document of communication between the World Bank and the Government that required a new assessment of energy projects in Kosovo in terms of economic, social and environmental impact, since the earlier assessments have had serious shortcomings. The needs to reassess the projects, was among the requests of the civil society organizations involved in the energy projects. GAP Report #5: Municipal IDs Published: On the eve of the local elections organized on November 15, 2009, GAP Institute published a series of surveys on municipalities of Kosovo. The project titled Municipal IDs 2009 included a series of 30 publications covering 30 municipalities of Kosovo. Each municipal report contains information on: key facts of the municipality; 5 biggest problems for the municipality; financial capacity of each municipality and how much funds will be allocated for capital investment over the next four years; history of political representation; situation in education, health and local administration; functioning of municipal websites and implementation of laws on local Self-Government; property tax rate and the amount businesses have to pay for work permits; as well as the violations of law and order in each municipality. In early 2012, GAP Institute began to publish a new series of reports on municipalities titled Municipal IDs From May until the end of November 2012, GAP managed to publish a total of 46 reports covering 19 municipalities of Kosovo. These reports differ from those of 2009, as more emphasize is put on the performance of mayors during the two-year mandate, an analysis of their accomplishments, fulfillment of promises, ways in which the budget was spent and the level of capital investments. Reports published by GAP Institute served as a reference for the TV show Life in Kosovo, where mayors are faced with the findings of GAP Institute. These reports have also had a positive impact in improving some reported deficiencies which have been revealed in various municipalities These are among rare reports, focused on assessing the local government performance and revealing key problems and mismanagement in the municipalities of Kosovo. 72 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november

38 74 Institute for Advanced Studies GAP november