Newsroom
OSCE Mission reviews Kosovo municipal legislative activities, says progress made but challenges exist
PRISTINA 23 August 2007
PRISTINA, 23 August 2007 - Kosovo's municipalities need to pass legislation that is clear, concise, known to the public and in line with procedures, concluded a report issued by the OSCE Mission today.
The report, based on surveys conducted by OSCE municipal teams throughout Kosovo, provides an overview and analyses of the municipal legislative process since 1999 in terms of legislative cycle, compliance with central level laws and involvement by the public.
"Good local governance is not just about providing services, but also about preserving the liberties of people, creating a space for democratic participation and adhering to principles of the rule of law," said Ambassador Werner Wnendt, the Head of the OSCE Mission.
The report focuses on various aspects of the municipal legislative process and notes that while most municipalities have a clear understanding on what needs to be undertaken to pass legislation, the appropriate legal instrument is not always used. Highlighted is the absence of clear rules which would give the drafters guidance when to use which instrument.
Although there are budget constraints, the report recommends municipalities hire legal experts, when necessary, to avoid confusion in interpreting laws and during the decision-making process. It also calls on the Kosovo Institute for Public Administration (KIPA) to ensure regular training for civil servants on legislative drafting.
"Municipalities should work more to avoid the impression that they by-pass the statutory obligations for passing municipal legislation," added Wnendt.
The report also analyses the requirements for and practice of publishing municipal legislation. Accessibility to municipal legislation is often guaranteed, though in differing ways. However, access is often limited to a single language version only. Other findings include the need for an up-to-date legislative index and a functioning legislative database as well as a strategy on future legislative activities.
As part of its institution-building mandate, the OSCE Mission is working with Kosovo's municipal governments, the Ministry of Local Governance and Administration and the Association of Kosovo Municipalities to help strengthen the principles of good governance and accountability.
The report is available on the OSCE website at: www.osce.org/kosovo
The report, based on surveys conducted by OSCE municipal teams throughout Kosovo, provides an overview and analyses of the municipal legislative process since 1999 in terms of legislative cycle, compliance with central level laws and involvement by the public.
"Good local governance is not just about providing services, but also about preserving the liberties of people, creating a space for democratic participation and adhering to principles of the rule of law," said Ambassador Werner Wnendt, the Head of the OSCE Mission.
The report focuses on various aspects of the municipal legislative process and notes that while most municipalities have a clear understanding on what needs to be undertaken to pass legislation, the appropriate legal instrument is not always used. Highlighted is the absence of clear rules which would give the drafters guidance when to use which instrument.
Although there are budget constraints, the report recommends municipalities hire legal experts, when necessary, to avoid confusion in interpreting laws and during the decision-making process. It also calls on the Kosovo Institute for Public Administration (KIPA) to ensure regular training for civil servants on legislative drafting.
"Municipalities should work more to avoid the impression that they by-pass the statutory obligations for passing municipal legislation," added Wnendt.
The report also analyses the requirements for and practice of publishing municipal legislation. Accessibility to municipal legislation is often guaranteed, though in differing ways. However, access is often limited to a single language version only. Other findings include the need for an up-to-date legislative index and a functioning legislative database as well as a strategy on future legislative activities.
As part of its institution-building mandate, the OSCE Mission is working with Kosovo's municipal governments, the Ministry of Local Governance and Administration and the Association of Kosovo Municipalities to help strengthen the principles of good governance and accountability.
The report is available on the OSCE website at: www.osce.org/kosovo