On 1 February 2014, European Centre for Minority Issues started the implementation of a new three-year project on decentralization in Kosovo.
The new project, Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Growth for all Newly-Established Municipalities, is implemented by ECMI Kosovo.
The project aims to provide the Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo with sustainable solutions on improving their local socio-economic perspectives. The means are empowerment undertakings for both local governments and local communities.
Activities will cover the municipalities of Gračanica/Graçanicë, Klokot/Kllokot, Leposavić/Leposaviq, Mitrovica North, Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Parteš/Partesh, Ranilug/Ranillug, Štrpce/Shtërpcë, Zubin Potok and Zvečan/Zveçan.
This new project is an extension of past decentralization projects implemented in Serb-majority municipalities through 2008-2013.
The first project was carried out in 2008-2011. It was focused on the institutional establishment of five municipalities in line with the provisions of the so-called Ahtisaari Package and the Law on Local Self-Government. A second project, implemented in 2011-2013, attempted to improve conditions for local economic development, and to improve the dialogue between municipalities and communities.
The 2008-2013 projects were implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland that is also funding the current decentralization-project.
Read also: Kosovo decentralization project finished according to plan
Read also: “Socio-economic Conditions in Northern Kosovo” released by ECMI Kosovo