Local government reform important for democracy and economic development in Kosovo, conference hears

PRISTINA, 8 June 2005 - Local government reform is a necessity for the democratic processes in Kosovo and can contribute to economic development, regardless of Kosovo's future status, was the conclusion of a two-day conference which ended yesterday in Prishtine/Pristina.

The event gathered international and local experts to share the expertise of countries in the region that have gone, or are going through, the same process.

"Kosovo will be expected to and should rely heavily on the experience of local government reform in the region. This is highly relevant at this critical time," said Ambassador Werner Wnendt, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

Another important conclusion of the conference was that, since this reform is a long-term process, central authorities - Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) - should play a crucial role in providing leadership to keep the process stable. This would include the Assembly of Kosovo passing new legislation and Ministries improving their work with municipalities.

At the same time, local institutions should be empowered to better provide key services and be in control of municipal assets. Legislative reform would help local governments raise revenue and enhance local planning processes that contribute to economic development. It would also help strengthen the protection and inclusion of smaller ethnic communities and facilitate returns.

While the reform process is still in its early stages, Kosovo has already seen some examples of good practice in the local level, such as in Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje, Kamenice/Kamenica, Novoberde/Novo Brdo, Strpce/Shterpce, and Prizren. Representatives from Gjakove/Djakovica, Shtime/Stimlje and Skenderaj/Srbica outlined the work of their municipalities in promoting local economic development.

"The reform of local government is a key factor for the effective delivery of services and the application of the European principle of subsidiarity," said Ambassador Wnendt. "In Europe, the lowest level of administration is of great importance, and it is particularly important to all communities in Kosovo."

Ambassador Wnendt said the Mission has welcomed the creation of five Working Groups which will ensure that the process of local government reform and decentralization remain on track, and that the Kosovo Serb and other communities will be included in this process.

The conference was organized by the OSCE Mission in co-operation with the Ministry of Local Governance Administration, the Association of Kosovo Municipalities and the United Nations Development Programme.