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DFID in Kosovo: Supporting the establishment of a new state
20 February 2008
On 17 February 2008 Kosovo's Parliament unanimously endorsed a declaration of
independence from Serbia. "The independence of Kosovo marks the end of the
dissolution of the former Yugoslavia," said Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Hashim
Thaci. He also promised a democracy that respected the rights of all ethnic
communities.
Read
the full text of Kosovo’s declaration of independence on the BBC website.
Over the last few days thousands of ethnic Albanians, who make up to 90% of
the estimated 2 million Kosovo population, have celebrated on the streets of the
capital Pristina. However, Serbia and Russia have heavily criticised the
move to independence. Serbs protested in demonstrations in Belgrade and Mitrovica
(the city in the north divided into two parts: Albanian and Serbian).
See a map of Kosovo's ethnic
breakdown
(34
kb).
Below, we describe the development challenges that face Kosovo, and how DFID will continue to work to reduce poverty amongst its people.
Recognition of Kosovo’s independence
Image courtesy of Andrew Testa/Panos Pictures
The EU agreed that it was up to each member state to decide on their future relations with Kosovo. The UK recognised Kosovo on 18 February along with France, Germany, Italy and a number of other EU countries. The US has also welcomed independence. A number of other countries have already recognised Kosovo, and more will do so following completion of their own constitutional processes for recognition.
Gordon Brown said: "I have written to President Sejdiu to tell him that Britain
will now formally recognise Kosovo as an independent sovereign state. I believe
this is a step forward for the international community.”
Read
the Prime Minister's full statement on Kosovo.
David Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, has said that Kosovo's declaration
is "unique" and does not set a precedent for other separatist movements in
Europe.
Read
more on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website.
Challenges ahead
Image courtesy of Andrew Testa/Panos Pictures
Issues around independence currently dominate local and international
politics. However, attention will soon turn to the equally great task of
building a viable economy and effective institutions.
Kosovo is one of the poorest regions in Europe. Around 45% of its people live in
poverty, 14% in extreme poverty. Tackling unemployment (currently over 40%) is
an urgent priority, as is creating a sound business climate for longer-term
investment and growth. DFID is working with international partners to put this
at the centre of the Government’s agenda.
Strengthening and increasing the effectiveness of the new Kosovo Government to
deliver key functions and services to all citizens is another priority. DFID is
already active in these areas through its work with the Office of the Prime
Minister, the Ministries of Health, and the Ministry of Labour and Social
Welfare.
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Donor conference
The World Bank, EC and the US are supporting the Government of Kosovo with preparations for a major donor conference later this year. We expect the need to promote economic growth to feature strongly on the agenda. The conference will also provide a major opportunity to improve the way international donors work with each other to ensure aid is used efficiently and not wasted through duplication of effort.
DFID’s work in Kosovo
DFID was one of the first donors to establish a presence in Kosovo after the conflict in 1999. Our work has evolved in line with Kosovo’s changing needs, moving away from emergency aid and infrastructure provision to helping the Government to address the needs of its citizens.
This financial year DFID expects to provide £3 million in aid to Kosovo and a further £3 million for conflict prevention work jointly with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence.
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