On Democracy Day, OSCE Kosovo Mission calls for more sustainable public engagement

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 15 September 2015 – On the occasion of International Democracy Day, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger called on institutions to be more open towards the public, and on civil society to take a more active role in furthering democratic consolidation.       

“The Mission acknowledges the important steps that have been taken in increasing public participation. The emphasis must now rest on standard procedures, which should be entrenched into the system in order to ensure that the public’s engagement does not remain sporadic, but is instead transformed into a sustainable, day-to-day practice”, said Ambassador Schlumberger.

In the last twelve months the Kosovo institutions have made important strides in establishing women’s caucuses at the central and local level, including in most municipalities in the north. The Assembly of Kosovo has involved civil society in public hearings and discussions, particularly following the adoption of its declaration of partnership with civil society last year.

Moreover, most municipalities have made use of mechanisms, such as consultative committees, village councils, Municipal Community Safety Councils, and public hearings to discuss issues of competencies and responsibilities of local government bodies, for example municipal budgets and finances.  

“The structures for public engagement are in place, but they should be better utilized. This will ultimately lead to more democracy and transparency,” concluded Schlumberger.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo remains committed to further improving and strengthening democratic processes by monitoring as well as working with and through institutions and civil society at the central and local level.