The European Commission Liaison Office celebrated Europe Day – 9 May with a series of activities promoting EU values and its presence in Kosovo under the motto 'Taste Europe'.

The traditional Street Fair proved again to be the centre stage event where visitors got information and interacted with representatives from EU offices and Embassies, enjoyed live performances, children were involved in paintings and other entertainment events. Similar but smaller Street Fairs were organized in Prizren - in cooperation with EUICC, Peja/Pec, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, and Ranillug/Ranilug combined with sports competition for children. Meanwhile, the city park of Prishtinë/Pristina's hosted a cycling tour and a walk for environment. The EU Information Point in North Mitrovica hosted a round table and a youth party for 9 May. Meanwhile in Prishtinë/Pristina the traditional student party hosted for the first time stand-up comedy lead by renowned and new Kosovo artists.

Europe Week 2011 photo gallery

EU encourages Kosovo for integration of RAE

The European Commission is encouraging the Kosovo institutions to foster integration of Roma, ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) communities. Meeting at a conference in Pristina, Mr. Pierre Mirel, Director for the Western Balkans in the Directorate General for Enlargement, and Government representatives discussed solutions to the challenges the RAE community faces.

Among the topics tackled were civil registration, education, employment, health and housing care and the strengthening of mechanisms for monitoring and reporting RAE inclusion.

Mirel attends inaugurations in Mitrovica

Mr. Pierre Mirel - Director for the Western Balkans in the Directorate General for Enlargement, inaugurated two important projects important for the children in Kosovo. A Learning Centre in Mitrovica's Roma Mahalla opened to provide pre-school activities, homework and literacy assistance for pupils, and youth activities. Mr. Mirel also inaugurated the start of the 2011 edition of the Play for All - Kids festival in the presence of more than 500 children and their parents.

EU Info Point in North Mitrovica

The EU Information Point in North Mitrovica opens becoming the newest reference for citizens to get information on Kosovo's integration process. The Information Point follows the opening of the first Centre (EUICC ) in Pristina in October 2010. Visitors will be able to get EU related material and use the facilities free of charge. The EU Information Point will also host informative and cultural events with civil society actors and other partners.

Kosovo completes 2011 census

Kosovo completed the 2011 Population and Housing Census in April with the first results scheduled for the end of June. Application of international standards applied has been ensured by a team of census experts monitoring the enumeration phase. The European Union has supported the Statistical Office since 2005 in the preparations for the census. The statistical information collected will direct policy planning over the next decade.

EU assists civil registration and address system in Kosovo

A project launched beginning of April aims at providing each Kosovo citizen with a unique address. In the meantime local institutions will be assisted by the European Commission to establish an integrated civil registration and unified address system.

The integration of civil registration and address data will also strengthen public service performance, enable government to plan policies, react to emergencies and enforce rule of law more efficiently.

Kosovo legal education system enriched with new publications

A new set of legal publications were introduced that will enrich Kosovo's legal education system. The Kosovo Law Center (KLC) introduced the following titles: a publication of applicable laws in Kosovo - "Lex Legis"; a bulletin covering judgments of the Supreme Court and District Courts; and a publication of the law booklet - "Themis". EC is supporting the institutions to provide legal education with European standards through 'Legal Education Reform' twinning project.

EC helps Kosovo to build a modern administration through Twinning projects

The European Commission is assisting Kosovo to build a modern and efficient administration by managing twinning projects through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). There are 10 projects being implemented while another 5 are underway. The assistance is being provided to Kosovo's government and Government Agencies. Civil servants from selected EU member states are helping them implement the "acquis communautaire" (body of EU laws and rules).

Kosovo wide "Europe Quiz" completed successfully

The first Europe Quiz was successfully completed providing 'Avni Rrustemi' school team from Kamenica an overland trip through Europe to Brussels and back. In order to secure the adventure, the winning team went through a tough competition which involved 23 other schools from across Kosovo. The Quiz was organised by EU Perspective in Kosovo, and aims to encourage young people to learn more about EU and what Kosovo must do to ensure their future prosperity.

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