Kosovo

Switzerland provides support to Kosovo in further developing its economic and political stability, focusing on democratic governance, sustainable economic development, health, water and climate change. 

In 2008, Switzerland was one of the first countries to recognise the Republic of Kosovo and to establish diplomatic relations. Switzerland and Kosovo have since then developed a partnership of trust based on mutual interests.

Kosovo has made progress towards political and economic stability. Certain achievements remain fragile, however, and many challenges still lie ahead. In particular, the domestic political situation has been characterised by political polarisation. The country has made economic progress but remains one of the poorest in Europe and political commitment to safeguarding the environment has been quite low.

Swiss engagement focuses on three thematic areas: democratic governance and peace; sustainable economic development; and climate change, water and health. In addition, all projects take gender issues into account and promote good governance.

Democratic governance and peace

Fostering an inclusive and democratic government

Switzerland engages in policy dialogue and pursues work to enhance institutional capacities for the promotion of democratic governance and human rights principles and compliance with integrity systems. It works towards a society where women and men enjoy the benefits of strengthened democratic governance and peace, where state institutions are more accountable and where citizens are more engaged in public affairs. It promotes inclusiveness and an improvement of inter-community relations and encourages the advancement of the normalisation process with Serbia.

Good governance

Sustainable economic development

Decent jobs and future prospects

Switzerland contributes to an enabling business environment by supporting reforms that aim to reduce the administrative burden for businesses and enhance transparency in business processes, including through digital solutions. Resilient market systems are promoted through the development of business services and the building up of an ecosystem to help SMEs and young entrepreneurs increase their competitiveness, mainly in agriculture, tourism and ICT. Swiss cooperation also supports a macroeconomic framework that enables the private sector to grow and create additional jobs and incomes.

Private Sector Development and financial services

Basic education and vocational training

Climate change, water and health

Health and sustainability

Switzerland’s activities in climate change, water and health are aimed at ensuring inclusive access to high-quality services and a better environment and quality of life.

In the health sector, Switzerland focuses on primary healthcare, integrated health services and health education. It works on improving the availability and quality of services and the continuum of care for the population.

In the water sector, Switzerland is engaged in advancing reforms, focusing in particular on integrated resources management and wastewater treatment in order to efficiently utilise water resources, thus improving the aquatic environment. Swiss-supported projects also contribute to mainstream climate change adaptation and promote renewable energy and efficiency measures.

Water

Climate change and the environment

Health

Transversal themes

Mainstreaming gender and good governance (incl. social inclusion) are systematically addressed in all Swiss-supported projects, informed by sound analyses and disaggregated data.

Gender is mainstreamed throughout the programmes/projects to promote women’s inclusion in governance and civil society participation; to improve women’s labour market and economic participation; and to satisfy equally women’s and men’s special needs as regards health and water and sanitation.

Good governance, including social inclusion and LNOB, is also a strategic objective and a transversal theme while working with public and private institutions and engaging in different processes (e.g. policy dialogue in water governance). Governance principles cut across all Swiss interventions, especially the principles of transparency and accountability. 

Migration

Strengthening migration policy

The Migration Partnership provides the overall framework for engaging in migration dialogue and strengthening migration policy development and migration management, in particular regarding third country migrants. Switzerland continues to support the government of Kosovo in cultivating relations with its citizens abroad, to motivate them to be an important part of change and to ensure an effective reintegration of migrants returning to Kosovo.

Migration

Organisation and partners

The 2022–25 cooperation strategy is implemented jointly by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the FDFA’s Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD).

Switzerland's main partners in Kosovo:

• National partners: ministries and local governments, local civil society organisations
• Swiss NGOs, e.g. Helvetas, Swisscontact
• International companies
• Multilateral organisations, e.g. World Bank, UNDP
• Private sector and think tanks