Project Description:
This project aims to enhance the role of local governments in Kosovo in promoting the rule of law as a core European value—an essential aspect of Kosovo’s European integration process. While the EU’s rule of law agenda in the Western Balkans has largely focused on national institutions and technical compliance, local governments—especially in multiethnic municipalities—remain overlooked actors in the diffusion and implementation of rule of law norms.
The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) will lead this seven-month initiative to build awareness, encourage dialogue, and develop the capacity of municipal actors to engage with EU rule of law standards. The project particularly emphasizes the role of local institutions in fostering multiethnicity as a component of rule of law and European values.
Key Objectives:
- Assess how municipalities in Kosovo perceive EU conditionality related to the rule of law.
- Facilitate national and local-level dialogue on the role of municipalities in strengthening the rule of law and promoting multiethnicity.
- Develop skills among municipal officials related to EU rule of law requirements for Kosovo.
Main Activities:
- Conduct qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey with local officials across Kosovo.
- Produce a research report with key findings and policy recommendations.
- Organize two local roundtables in selected municipalities to discuss rule of law diffusion and multiethnicity.
- Convene a national conference with mayors and assembly members from ethnically diverse municipalities.
- Deliver a targeted workshop for at least 20 local officials on rule of law obligations under the EU integration process.
Expected Outcomes:
- A published policy report offering insights and recommendations on enhancing municipal contributions to rule of law promotion.
- Strengthened awareness and dialogue at the national and local level on rule of law and multiethnicity as EU values.
- Improved understanding among local officials of Kosovo’s EU integration-related rule of law conditions.
- A stronger foundation for cooperation between central and local governments on aligning municipal governance with European standards.
Duration:
May 1 – November 30, 2025
Funded by the Government of Ireland through the EEFV Fund
