Democratic Governance and Decentralization

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1 Swiss Cooperation Office Kosovo Swiss Cooperation Programme in Kosovo List of ongoing projects September 2013 Democratic Governance and Decentralization Swiss Kosovo Local Governance and Decentralization Support LOGOS Phase III January 2013 December 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF Ministry of Local Governance Administration (MLGA); Association of Kosovar Municipalities (AKM); local NGOs and Civil Society Groups, consultants and service providers Implementer / Consultant Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Switzerland; LOGOS contributes to the overall stabilization of Rule of Law and democracy in a multiethnic Kosovo state and society by promoting the development of local governance and decentralization reforms in the municipalities of Kosovo. The project will support partner municipalities in South Eastern Kosovo in being more accountable, transparent, equitable and effective in local governance and able to deliver key services to satisfy all citizen groups. In addition to counselling and technical inputs, through an investment fund the project will co-finance the implementation of municipal and sub-municipal projects. Support to the Kosovo Property Agency Phase V May 2011 June 2014 Swiss Commitment CHF , Kosovo Consolidated Budget, Norway, Sweden, EAR, USA, UK, Germany Kosovo Property Agency, ICO, UNMIK Implementer / Consultant Kosovo Property Agency Clear and undisputed property titles play a fundamental role in the recovery from conflict in Kosovo. Therefore, the Kosovo Property Agency (KPA) was established in 2006 with the mandate to resolve private immovable property claims arising out of the 1999 conflict, including disputes over agricultural and commercial property. The Government of Switzerland has as well supported the predecessor of KPA, the Housing and Property Directorate, which had the mandate to resolve residential property claims. In addition to the resolution of claims by case processing, the KPA ensures the effective implementation of final decisions. 1

2 Establishment of a Notary System in Kosovo Phase III March 2012 December 2014 Swiss Commitment CHF , Ministry of Justice Implementer / Consultant Institut des Hautes Etudes Notariales (IHN, Lausanne) The project contributes to the consolidation of the judicial system in Kosovo by supporting the development and the implementation of an operational notary system. Technical input will be provided in drafting the secondary legislation and harmonizing other legal provisions. The project will further facilitate the set up of the Kosovo chamber of notaries and a training system for notaries. It will lead to a more effective and efficient legal system, considering the courts shall be relieved of the majority of noncontentious cases and thus citizens will have better access to justice. Support to the Population and Housing Census 2011 and Agricultural Census 2013 Phase I January 2011 December 2014 Swiss Commitment CHF , Ministry of Public Administration, European Commission Liaison Office, DFID, SIDA; Luxembourg, Denmark Implementation partners Kosovo Statistical Agency (KAS), UNOPS The Population and Housing Census (PHC) was held in April 2011 and is intended to provide a wide range of reliable statistical data (demographic, socio-economic, gender, ethnic, education, occupation, etc.) that are totally missing in Kosovo. It will give a sound basis to government, donors and civil society for policy formulation, implementation and monitoring of programme, which is crucial for development of a multiethnic and democratic state. The census will be implemented directly by the Kosovo Statistical Agency (KAS). In 2013 KAS will implement the Agricultural Census Financial resources are channeled through a Multi Donor Trust Fund, managed by UNOPS, in order to ensure transparency, efficiency and best-value for money. Democratic Society Promotion Phase I November 2010 December 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF Project partners civil society organizations, academic and research institutions, etc. Implementation partners Kosovo Civil Society Foundation The Democratic Society Fund (DSF) supports the development of a democratic society in Kosovo. The project will support initiatives, activities or projects arising from the civil society with a potential to contribute to significant changes at national, regional or local level. Three fields of action will particularly be targeted: increasing citizen participation and improving transparency and accountability, supporting the co-existence of all communities in a multi-ethnic Kosovo and integrating non-majority communities and support to initiatives increasing gender equality. The DSF will utilize the following modalities: project grants, institutional grants and awards. 2

3 Promotion of Citizenship Education Phase III September 2011 August 2014 Swiss Commitment CHF (total project budget CHF ) Implementation partners: Zurich University of Teacher Education (Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich, PHZH) in cooperation with Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), the non-profit organization KEC (Kosovo Education Centre) and the television channel RTK (Radio Television Kosovo). The project contributes to the development of democratic citizenship. It aims to develop a culture of democratic citizenship among Kosovo children through the education system. The project has two main components: i) it will continue promoting the inclusion of youngsters in shaping a better future, which is crucial for the development of a multiethnic and democratic state. Kosovision assists teachers in using participatory and dialogue-based teaching methods in order to guide children to identify problems and develop visions and to thus prepare them for an active role in society. During this phase, the Kosovision contest will gradually be handed over to the MEST, by integrating it in the primary education system. ii. Research on citizenship education: The understanding of citizenship among Kosovo s children will be assessed by research, which will in turn be used for in-service teacher training. Support to the Association of Kosovo Municipalities Phase I September 2009 December 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF Association of Kosovo Municipalities (AKM) and AKM donors; Implementer / Consultant AKM The project supports the Association of Kosovo Municipalities in carrying out its mandate: advocacy and lobbying at central level on behalf of municipal authorities and serve as an effective platform for networking, training and exchange. The strengthening of the AKM will in turn contribute to a better quality service provision to citizens in municipalities throughout Kosovo. An important feature of this Swiss contribution to AKM is that the funding is provided in form of on budget core funding support to AKM. Support to Anti-Corruption Efforts in Kosovo (SAEK) Phase I September 2012 December 2015 Swiss Commitment CHF Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency, Kosovo Judicial Council, BIRN/IKS, etc; Implementer / Consultant UNDP SAEK will contribute in reducing the level of corruption in Kosovo, by developing capacities of Kosovo institutions to perform in an efficient, transparent, accountable and gender sensitive manner and strengthening monitoring and oversight mechanisms. The overall programme design encompasses four components identifying complementary entry points for fighting corruption: executive branch (component 1, civil society (component 2), judiciary (component 3), and public administration (component 4). 3

4 Economy and Employment Enhancing Youth Employment (EYE) Phase I August 2010 December.2016 Swiss Commitment CHF Ministry of labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Implementer / Consultant Consortium between Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation-HSI and Management Development Associates MDA In order to improve the market opportunities for young Kosovar women and men, the EYE program facilitates a matching of demand and supply sides of the labour market. It will contribute to availability of adequate training and education to meet the requirements of the private sector. The job seekers are enabled to access vacant positions and make informed decisions about their career paths. Furthermore, the EYE project promotes focused private sector investments in relevant subsectors that lead to growth of employment opportunities for young people. The approach taken by the project aims to bring about changes in matching demand and supply leading to large-scale and sustainable impact on the target group. The target group for the EYE project are young women and men, ranging at the age of 14-30, who finish educational training in Kosovo and are actively pursuing work. By addressing the main causes of the weak labour market outcomes, the project aims to facilitate the creation of employment opportunities for youngsters from all ethnic communities living in Kosovo. Vocational Education Support Phase IV January 2009 July 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Implementer / Consultant Swisscontact, Switzerland The project supports the Vocational Education System in Kosovo by developing market-oriented trades and by enabling students access to practical experience in eleven technical and economic partner schools all over Kosovo. It will further support the agricultural school in Pristina to become a nationally recognized education and training centre for agribusiness. Moreover, it will support relevant institutions in enhancing their capacities in steering the implementation of strategies in selected policy areas, such as i. e-learning and ii. decentralized funding and financial management. Trade Promotion Phase I: July 2011 July 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF SECO Economic Initiative in Kosovo (ECIKS), Investment Promotion Agency in Kosovo (IPAK), Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC) Implementer / Consultant The Chamber of Commerce Switzerland Central Europe SEC This initiative is focusing on promoting trade and investments between Switzerland and Kosovo. The overall outcome of this project is to support the Kosovo private sector in receiving sufficient opportunities to meet with European counterparts in order to create the ground for ensuing business relations and resulting in increased volumes of trades. Contribution to the Kosovo SME Promotion Program (KOSME) Phase I: October 2012 September 2015 Swiss Commitment CHF , Austrian Development Agency, Ministry of Trade and Industry SME Support Agency, Economic Initiative in Kosovo (ECIKS) Implementer / Consultant Economic Initiative in Kosovo (ECIKS), KMU Forschung Austria One of the priority support areas of the Swiss cooperation program for Kosovo is youth employment. The SME sector in Kosovo is currently one of the biggest employers contributing 62 % to the total employment; its further potentials for generating jobs are hindered by the barriers such as; weak 4

5 administration, unreliable electricity supply, deficient rule of law, low productivity, lack of know how and limited access to finance. This project addresses some of the main barriers stated above. With an overall aim of Contributing to job creation and promote market-oriented private sector development in Kosovo; foster global competitiveness of Kosovo s SMEs in line with sustainable development principles. Support to International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM) Phase I November 2012 May 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF , Stichtung SPARK Implementer / Consultant IBCM The project aims to improve employability through study programs with a heavy focus on practice and skills as well as facilitate graduates to start their own enterprises;also to create a sustainable, genuinely inclusive higher vocational institution, producing young professional civil servants and business leaders in the Mitrovica region ready to work in multi-ethnic teams; To provide modern curricula in doing business with the EU and training (future and existing) civil servants in EU Integration. Promoting Private Sector Employment (PPSE) Phase I( Inception Phase) October 2013 September 2014 Swiss Commitment CHF Ministry of Trade and Industry Implementer / Consultant Swisscontact, PEM, Riinvest Promoting Private Sector Employment (PPSE) programme aims at increasing employment opportunities throughout the private sector, benefitting most the youth, since it has the highest share of employment. The program aim is to create opportunities for: Sustainable, decent jobs and increased incomes for unand under-employed women and men, youth in particular. It will focus on enhancing the diversity of products and services, of higher quality, and access to new markets for enterprises in tourism, food processing and private health care. It will specifically address the governance issues related to private sector development and it will aim to improve the possibilities for women to create business and employment opportunities. Investment Climate Project (ICP) Phase I July 2013 June 2017 Swiss Commitment USD SECO Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kosovo Prime Minister s Office Implementer / Consultant International Finance Cooperation IFC The IFC Investment Climate project aims at stimulating Kosovo s economic performance by way of reducing regulatory red tape, boosting the country s competitiveness at large, and facilitating private investment activities. The project has three main components; Component 1-Business enabling environment reform, will address regulatory bottlenecks and aims at reducing the cost of doing business in Kosovo Component 2 Investment Facilitation, will assists Kosovo in strengthening its capacity to create and manage the policy and institutional framework for attracting, retaining and developing a climate for foreign investment in which FDI can thrive. Component 3 Agribusiness support activities; will specifically target the business environment for the agribusiness sector. It will support the Government of Kosovo in addressing regulatory constraints while increasing the investment potential in the agribusiness sector. 5

6 SECO regional projects Project IMF Regional Tax Administration Project for South East Europe ( ) Strengthening the capacity of tax administrations in selected SEE countries (Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina) Public Expenditure Management-Peer Assisted Learning (PEM-PAL) ( ) Builds networks in the region to share experience on reform implementation in key areas of public financial management through communities of practice. Strengthening Accountability and Fiduciary Environment (SAFE Trust Fund) ( ) Strengthen accountability and fiduciary environment in public finance management in the ECA region Corporate Governance in Europe and Central Asia ( ) Strengthens capacities and transfer knowledge in the field of corporate governance, to the selected local partner institutions in countries and ECA regions (Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia). SECO Start-up Fund ( ) Provides credit for Swiss start-up investments in Partner countries Projects in Serbia: Agro Collection Center Wood briquettes & pellets Rosconi Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) Supports the import of products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of developing and transition countries and helps them to become integrated into the international trade system. The carefully selected partner companies are helped in terms of bringing them together with Swiss or EU importers. Budget (CHF) CHF 7.5 million for Western Balkans countries USD 0.8 million for all countries 2 nd phase is planned for USD 2 million for all countries CHF for selected ECA countries Total SSF loan amount, CHF Total investments mobilized CHF 1.9 Mio CHF 11'000'000 Partners Ministries of Finance, tax administrations Implementation: IMF Ministries of Finance in partner countries Implementation: World Bank, Center for Excellence in Finance Ministries of Finance in partner countries Implementation: World Bank Chamber of Commerce, Stock Exchange, Universities Implementation: International Finance Corporation (IFC) Private Investors Implementation: FINANCE contact, Zurich Implementation: OSEC 6

7 Water and Sanitation Rural Water and Sanitation Support Programme Phase IV January 2011 December 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Regional Water Companies, Municipalities in South-East Kosovo, Suhareka, respective villages Implementer / Consultant Community Development Initiatives, KIWER, Micro Project This project contributes in improving the health and well-being of communities through sustainable water and sanitation services in line with Kosovo national sector strategies and legislation. New water supply systems will be constructed in about ten villages of South-East Kosovo, Suhareka and Vushtrri municipalities. The project will further support the Regional Water Companies in improving their financial sustainability and in enhancing capacities for a sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water systems. At the national level, the capacities of policy making institutions will be strengthened in managing water resources and services. Small Infrastructure for Water and Sanitation Programme II Phase II February 2012 September 2013 Swiss Contribution CHF (total project budget is CHF ) United States Agency for Development (USAID), Municipalities, Regional Water Companies Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Municipalities of Peja, Lipjan, Malisheva, Drenas, Regional Water Companies, respective villages Implementer / Consultant International Relief for Development (IRD) The overall goal of this program is to improve health conditions and socio-economic well being of the population of around 20 villages in 3 municipalities (Peja, Lipjan and Drenas/Gllogovc) through investments in essential infrastructure services. In line with Kosovo Water Law, SIWS promotes robust and sustainable operational management of new water systems through close collaboration with Regional Water Companies, municipalities and communities. Kosovo Water Task Force Phase I & Interim Phase September 2009 December 2012 ( ) Swiss Commitment CHF SECO Office of Prime Minister, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Local Governance Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Implementers / Consultant Baton Begolli - Water Policy Advisor; Afrim Lajqi Water Services Advisor The project aims at the establishment of a systematic management of the water resources in Kosovo and facilitates the sustainable takeover of the water utilities by local institutions from UNMIK in order to provide cost-effective, high quality water services to all sectors of the population. It further includes the development of the long-term water sector management structure and the relationships between corporate entities, municipalities and central government. An interim phase has started in January2013 and will continue until September 2013 with the objective to develop a concept for the following two-year phase. 7

8 Water Supply in South East Kosovo Project Phase I September 2010 December 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF (total project budget is CHF ) SECO Ministry of Economic Development (MED), RWC Bifurkacioni in Municipality of Ferizaj and RWC Hidromorava in Municipality of Gjlan Implementers / Consultant Holinger The project aims to improve the water supply service and water quality in the municipalities of Ferizaj and Gjilan, as well as to enhance the sustainability of the two supported Regional Water Companies (RWCs) Hidromorava and Bifurkacioni. The impact of the project will be improved health, living and economical conditions in the two municipalities and increased economic effectiveness and sustainability in the two RWCs. As for the outcome, it is expected that the proposed measures will result in greater revenues of the RWCs. This will be reached by less network losses, additional customers connected to the network, less operational costs in the water treatment plant due to better raw water quality, less operational costs due to additional storage capacity (investment components), as well as by additional revenues via greater billing and collection and higher customer satisfaction / awareness (capacity components). Gjilani V Substation Phase II March 2008 April 2013 Swiss Commitment CHF SECO Ministry of Energy and Mining, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEC), Kosovo Electricity Transmission, System and Market Operator (KOSTT), Municipality of Gjilan Implementer / Consultant: AF Consulting The project Gjilani V is part of Kosovo s power sector rehabilitation plan and envisages the construction of an additional substation of 110/120kV in the Municipality of Gjilan. This substation will prevent further overloading and break downs and stabilize the energy supply in this region. It will directly improve the living conditions of the population and will strengthen the economic development of the region. 8

9 Health Contribution to the World Bank s Improving Quality of Health Care in Kosovo Phase I September 2013 June 2014 Swiss Commitment CHF (inception phase) Ministry of Health Implementer / Consultant World Bank The cooperation with the World Bank (WB) aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable health system in Kosovo that offers quality services to its population and the opportunity to leverage lessons from health reforms for Western Balkan countries. This intervention will make use of WB s expertise, experience and leverage in strengthening the capacities of Kosovo authorities to make well-informed policy decisions based on evidence and best practices in order to implement successfully the envisaged reforms. Special Programme Migration Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Housing & Integration Project Phase I December 2009 May 2014 Swiss Commitment CHF (contribution to the overall budget of 3.2 Mio ) FOM Municipality of Gjakova, Ministry of Community & Returns, Prime Minister s Office for Community Affairs, Caritas Switzerland, other donors Implementer / Consultant Project Implementation Office (supported by Caritas Switzerland) The project targets the sustainable improvement of living conditions of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian community, living in dire conditions in the Ali Ibra informal settlement in Gjakova. In addition to providing permanent housing by the construction of 120 housing units, the project will promote social inclusion through community building activities and support access to education and health services at municipal level. The project will further promote employment opportunities and sustainable income generation possibilities for the target community. Diaspora for Development Inception Phase March 2011 June 2013 Phase I Swiss Commitment CHF (for inception phase) Project Partner Ministry of Diaspora, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kosovo Embassies, Diaspora organisations, pilot municipalities, etc. Implementer / Consultant Solidar Suisse and the local implementer Institute for Management and Development The project aims at facilitating the transfer of resources (financial, know-how, experience) from migrants into social and economic initiatives in Kosovo. The project will facilitate enhancing relations between diaspora and Kosovo authorities, development of favourable migration and investment policies and the provision of relevant information on services and resource transfer options. The three prominent themes of this project are: resource transfers, policy development and information provision. The intervention focus during the inception phase will be the municipal level and mainly the themes information provision and resource transfers. 9

10 Support to Clinical Psychology in Kosovo Phase I January 2012 September 2015 Swiss Commitment CHF FOM Project Partner Ministry of Health, Psychiatric University Clinic, Mental Health Centres, houses of integration, University of Pristina, Association of Kosovo Psychologists, Implementer / Consultant The University of Basel Faculty of Psychology and Kosova Health Foundation The project will contribute to enhancing the professionalism and quality of mental health services in Kosovo, further widening the scope and types of services offered. The project will support the Ministry of Health in establishing a comprehensive post-graduate training programme in clinical psychology, including training the supervisors approach for further replication. A bylaw protected title of Clinical Psychologists as a recognised health profession will be awarded at the end of the programme. Social inclusion and improvement of living conditions for RAE and other vulnerable groups in Kosovo Phase II February 2013 December 2015 Swiss Commitment CHF FOM (50% of the total budget) Hilfswerk der Evangelischen Kirchen Schweiz (HEKS), Terre des Hommes (TdH), Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians Kosovo (VoRAE) Implementer / Consultant HEKS, TdH, VoRAE The project aims to improve the living conditions and the social inclusion of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities as well as other vulnerable groups in Kosovo. To achieve this goal, the project intends to apply a combination of various interventions in the following four fields: empowerment and advocacy, education, sanitation and house-upgrading. Children will be at the focus of this intervention by supporting their integration in mainstream education as well as supporting the establishment and functioning of child protection mechanisms in various municipalities. 10

11 Other projects Swiss Regional Police Cooperation Programme (SPCP) has been supporting justice and police reforms in Eastern Europe since The corresponding regional programme Police Reforms in South Eastern Europe was initially launched by the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) and handed over to in the year Since 1999/2000, efforts have focused mainly on countries of South Eastern Europe, the region not only being the place of origin, but also the region of transit for various manifestations of trans-border organised crime. From 2008 to 2011, Switzerland provided technical assistance to the South East Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA) for the implementation of regional projects. Since 2009, the supports also the implementation of the Police Cooperation Convention for South East Europe (PCC). The current programme phase ( ) aims at strengthening regional police cooperation to fight serious and organised crime in the Western Balkans by enhancing the framework conditions for strategic and operational police cooperation, increasing mutual trust and fostering harmonisation of law enforcement approaches. The SPCP is a project fund that can co-fund regional initiatives involving at least two countries. Based on partners project proposals support will be granted based on pre-defined selection criteria and on recommendation of the programme advisory group that is composed of the Swiss political directorate, Swiss Federal Office of Police (FEDPOL) and the Federal Customs Administration (FCA). The programme is coordinated and monitored by the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). Updated information on For more information on the projects, please visit our website 11