Nine out of 10 inhabitants in Kosovo are Kosovar Albanians, while 5 to 8 per cent in the northern part are Serbs. Discrimination and persecution from Serbia led to the Kosovar Albanians breaking away in the late 1990s, a move which was made possible through international military intervention.
Local autonomy was created under the UN’s leadership. The UN envoy proposed in 2007 that Kosovo become independent under international supervision, which happened in 2008.
Sweden recognized the country after a couple of weeks, and all but five EU member states have now done the same.
Major international presence
There is a huge international presence in Kosovo. NATO has a security force of about 14,000 soldiers in Kosovo, but that number will drop during 2009. About 250 of these soldiers are Swedish.
Through the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), the EU has about 2,000 people posted in Kosovo to support the country in building up its legal sector.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has over 800 people on site, whose task is to support the democratic institutions, protect human rights and have an overview of the general security situation.
A difficult working environment
Kosovo is one of Europe’s poorest countries. More than half of the population is dependent on small-scale farming for their daily food. Industrial production is weak. Unemployment is above 40 per cent. In particular, young people and women are the ones usually out of work.
Kosovar society has a strong patriarchal structure. This is noticeable in the absence of women in the political debate, widespread instances of wife assault and the marriage of girls against their will. Corruption is widespread, as is organized crime, which deals in narcotics, weapons and human trafficking.
Both the health care and education systems have major deficiencies. There are not enough schools or trained teachers. There is a lack of qualified labour in general.
The country is also faced with major environmental challenges. Electricity comes from dirt-producing coal-fired power stations and illegal logging is causing erosion. Other major environmental problems include deficiencies in handling waste and wastewater.
EU takes responsibility
Although Kosovo has not been recognized by all EU countries, the country is nevertheless included in the EU cooperation with the countries in the Western Balkans region, with the purpose of possible EU membership.
The EU is also the country’s largest donor with donations amounting to about SEK 350 million between 2009 and 2011. This support works to improve administration, education, economic development and to protect the environment. Other major donors include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank.
Kosovo is highly dependent on development assistance. Almost 10 per cent of its GDP consists of development aid. The aid is not always particularly effective. There is often overlap between different projects and a lot of money goes towards paying foreign experts.
Sweden is providing support to Kosovo so the country can become less poor and take steps towards joining the EU and adopting its fundamental values. Our support is concentrated in three areas:
- Strengthening democracy
- Environment
- Education.
