Supporting the European Integration Process in Kosovo

This initiative aims to promote better knowledge of the EU and raise public awareness of European Integration and the need to meet EU membership conditions. It does this through strengthening the capacities of Kosovo Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) through encouraging sectoral partnerships, sustainable advocacy actions and EU/regional network involvement.

Description

The strategic goal of the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) is to support Kosovo’s efforts in the EU integration process. Responding to the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) and European Partnership requirements for Kosovo form the basis of our activities. This priority is achieved through a set of programs including information, education and research; advocacy and provision of analysis; and addressing the specific needs of Kosovo. This works complements institutional endeavours to address the EU agenda.

The civil society initiative aims to strengthen the professional and institutional capacities of selected Kosovo Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to take an active part in the information, education and application of EU related issues through encouraging sectoral partnerships, sustainable advocacy actions and EU/regional network involvement.

Aims / Objectives

Through focusing on European Integration the KCSF board of governance aims to promote better knowledge of the functioning of the EU, raise public awareness and promote dialogue on the project of European Integration. Communication and information activities aim to facilitate a better understanding, coherence and consistency in the approach towards European Integration. The target groups to be reached consist of: civil society, civil administration, public and private sector, media, academia and targeted professional associations.

The aims and objectives of this initiative are to enhance the knowledge of the local CSOs through capacity building and presented best practices to strengthen their role in society and increase their capacity on advocacy. This initiative has contributed to the placement of civil society in a more active role advocating for the needs of wider society. It is very important for civil society in Kosovo and for the citizens of Kosovo to take more active role in the creation and development of Kosovan society.

How it is Articulated

EU integration challenges, common to all countries participating in the Stabilisation and Association process (SAP) are best tackled at a regional level, so promoting regional cooperation is central to our approach. Participation in regional and international programs is of paramount importance and among our main approaches in delivering the results.

The recent enlargement process that brought 12 new countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) into the EU has left behind a pool of knowledge and best practices that represent an invaluable source of know-how for the Western Balkan (WB) countries, to which accession prospects have recently been opened. The best practices deriving from this fifth wave of enlargement are an excellent working ground for the region. The Thessaloniki Agenda (2003) has drawn from the very successful proceeding with the CEE countries and opened a range of pre-accession instruments enriching the SAP based on these previous experiences. All of these instruments and mechanisms create a basis to our approach in programming and implementing activities.

Information on the European Integration Process

• EU Documentation and Resource Centre;
• EU Newsletter; and
• Support the Implementation of the Government Communication Strategy.

Improved Knowledge on European Integration

• Kosovar School for European Integration;
• Capacity Building for CSO’s in European Integration;
• Tailor Made Trainings for CSO’s, Media, Political Parties and Administration; and
• Media Support Programs.

Provision of Analyses related to the European Integration Process

• Research and Publications;
• Public Debates; and
• Experts Roundtable and Policy Recommendations.

Cooperation with countries in the Region and the EU in relation to European Integration

• Knowledge Transfer about Regional and EU Integration;
• Promotion of Regional Cooperation in the field of EI; and
• Networking and Sectorial Partnerships.

Achievements / Learning points

• 270 projects granted;
• 403 scholarships for RAE students;
• 15 publications;
• More than 100 Basic and Advanced training sessions; and
• 200 graduates from Kosovar School for European Integration.

Geographical Area of Operation

Throughout Kosovo, contributing to the development of CSOs in every region and at EU level.

Funding Resources

Organisations Involved

• Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF);
• European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR);
• Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS);
• Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD);
• British Council;
• Friedrich Ebert Stifftung (FES), Germany;
• Community Development Fund (CDF);
• DANIDA – Dialogue Development (Denmark);
• Olof Palme International Center
• USAID – OTI;
• Open Society Institute (OSI);
• Alternatives Canada, and
• Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

Stories

"During the selection process the program organisers said that their intention was to create a ‘critical mass' that will have to deal with European integration processes in Kosovo once its status issue is resolved. The School helped me as a person to break the circle of superstitions and understand I am an active and needed part of this society. I became and it is my ambition to stay within this ‘critical mass' for the good of my homeland's society and its future within the European Union."
Political Advisor, United States Office in Prishtina (Participant in the 3rd Generation, School for European Integration)

“The knowledge acquired at the School for European Integration became very useful for me in my practical work as a journalist. As a result of the lessons learnt from this school, I can treat deeply and analyse the problems related to Kosovo and its way towards EU membership. I am also better informed when trying to get answers from the decision makers in this process. Besides, the School for European Integration has appeared to be a strong basis for me to start my postgraduate studies in International Relations.”
Journalist – BBC World Service (Participant in the 4th Generation, School for European Integration)