The European Commission (EC) and Kosovo institutions held a Plenary meeting beginning of July to discuss the progress made over the past year for implementing Kosovo's European agenda. Kosovo officials presented the progress made and the challenges ahead while both sides focused on areas that need further reforms and follow up actions. Conclusions will be included into the 2011 EC Progress Report. This meeting comes after completion of a full cycle of Stabilisation and Association Process Dialogue (SAPD) sectoral meetings. The European Commission had previously held consultations with the Kosovo civil society discussing mainly the fight against corruption, freedom of speech, economic challenges and the general environment for NGOs. The SAP Dialogue is the framework for the EC and the Kosovo administration to regularly discuss technical and policy issues in relation to the European agenda.

'Play 4 All' brings smiles to Kosovo children

Kids' festival 'Play 4 All' held one week of activities in Prishtine/Pristina involving workshops, movies and theatre, and ending with amazing street performances. During the celebrations the European Commission also announces winners of an environment competition that went out to five schools across Kosovo to improve their education environment. Also, three essays were awarded cash prizes. The festival is unique where children are directly engaged in activities and work together.

Works start at the Palace of Justice

The foundation stone for the future Palace of Justice was laid by representatives of the EC Liaison Office and Kosovo Institutions on 23 June. The new, modern, functional working space will host 12 main judicial institutions. Khaldoun Sinno, Acting Head, on the occasion, said: "In this palace, justice should be king". The Palace of Justice will support public access and confidence in the justice sector by improving its efficiency, independence, trust and visibility of the justice system.

Beautiful Kosovo supports jobs and urban infrastructure

The EC Liaison Office has launched the Beautiful Kosovo Programme (BK) aiming to generate employment through public works and urban infrastructure improvement. Municipalities across Kosovo have been invited to respond to a Call for Proposals - exceeding total value of 5 million Euros - with projects in their area of influence. This EU funded programme will be implemented by IOM in partnership with DRC and in close coordination with the Kosovo Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

Master plan on Brezovicë/Brezovica moves forward

The master plan for the economic recovery of Brezovicë/Brezovica has moved another step towards a modern touristic complex. The EC Liaison Office has launched a contract in Shtërpcë/Štrpce that will provide all the necessary information for the potential investors, such as: market analysis, geological and environmental study, spatial and zoning plan and a financial feasibility plan. The master plan envisages a ski resort that meets the demand of more than 6,000 guests.

EC leads works start on a new multi-purpose centre in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica

The European Commission (EC) is leading the works on a multi-purpose centre in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica supported by Kosovo institutions and the municipality. The EC Liaison Office will be managing the construction of a new sports centre, refurbishing the sports centre 'Minatori', as well as landscaping the city's central park. Training of teacherswill be also provided. In addition Kosovo Government and the Municipality will co-finance the construction of a new commercial centre worth EUR 8.5 million.

Doing business in Malishevë/Mališevo

Works on the new Business Support Centre in Malisheva/Mališevo were inaugurated at the end of May by officials from the EC Liaison Office and local authorities. The Centre will host training related to the development of small and medium enterprises for the economic region South. Women and youth will benefit from specially tailored programmes provided by the Centre. The project is financed through the first round of EU Regional Economic Development (RED) grant scheme.

Kosovo among winners of children drawing competition

Kosovo's Idrin Hajrullahu, 9, is one of 14 winners of the European Commission's International Drawing Competition on Gender Equality. Over 40 000 children from all over the world sent in their visions of how to make the world a fairer and more equal place. Winners were selected according to their ability to express a strong message relevant to the theme and context of their country, as well as for their originality, creativity and artistic quality.

EC assists Kosovo institutions on managing public finances

The European Commission and the Kosovo Government held a seminar on Public Internal Financial Control (PIFC) focusing on reducing risks and using all resources effectively and efficiently. By addressing objectives and sound financial management, managers of government departments will focus on priorities and on improving service delivery to the public. The EC supports reforms that improve sound financial management and the better delivery of services for all.

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