Since 1999, the Italian Cooperation has been active in Kosovo, initially with emergency interventions and subsequently expanding its commitment in strategic sectors for the development of the country. Through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and in particular the Regional Office in Tirana, Italy has consolidated its presence, contributing significantly to the cultural, economic, political, social and educational progress of Kosovo.
The activities of the Italian Cooperation are part of a broader vision, which aims not only to support Kosovo but to promote the integrated development of the entire Western Balkans region, in view of the entry of individual countries into the European Union. This approach facilitates the creation of synergies and contributes to balanced and sustainable growth.
Key areas of focus include:
– Environment and Sustainable Tourism: Italy supports initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism, encouraging the development of hiking and cultural routes of international importance. These projects aim to create economic opportunities for local communities by developing eco-friendly tourism that enhances natural and cultural resources without compromising their long-term sustainability. The project “NaturKosovo: Natural and Cultural Capital in Kosovo and Sustainable Tourism Development of the Via Dinarica” is underway, with a total value of 8 million euros. This project aims to enhance Kosovo’s cultural, historical and natural resources, generating sustainable development and creating new jobs for local communities. The initiative also supports local institutions in tourism governance and promotes the Kosovar section of the Via Dinarica.
-Health: The improvement of Kosovo’s health system is one of the primary objectives of the Italian Cooperation. The interventions aim to strengthen health infrastructure, improving the quality of services offered to citizens. Particular emphasis is placed on the prevention of hospital infections, the rational use of antibiotics and the strengthening of microbiology laboratories. These projects have a direct impact on public health, improving patient safety and reducing costs for the national health system.
The Support to the Kosovo Health System project is currently underway, aimed at creating and operating the cardiac surgery department of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, with funding of 3,069,900 euros. This intervention aims to improve the quality of hospital services, with a direct impact on public health.
– Culture and Creativity: Through programs supporting the cultural and creative sector, Italian Cooperation contributes to strengthening intercultural dialogue and the country’s socio-economic development. Culture is seen as a powerful tool to promote social cohesion, preserve local traditions, and create new economic opportunities linked to the creative industry. The “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs) project, worth 8 million euros, is being implemented. It is funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with UNESCO and the British Council. The program’s goal is to promote intercultural dialogue and enhance the socio-economic impact of the cultural sector in the Western Balkans, involving Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
– Agriculture and Rural Development: Italian Cooperation works to support participatory territorial planning, involving local communities in the decision-making process. The goal is to strengthen local institutions by creating bio-districts and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Particular attention is given to legislative alignment with European Union standards in food safety and environmental sustainability to support Kosovo’s integration process into European structures.
Lookiong to the future, Italian Cooperation in Kosovo will focus on a series of key projects aimed at meeting the country’s needs and supporting its growth and development trajectory. The main areas of intervention are:
– Youth Employment: Special attention will be given to promoting youth employment, with interventions aimed at creating job opportunities in growing sectors such as tourism and hospitality. Enhancing the professional skills of young people is crucial for Kosovo’s economic and social development, contributing to reducing unemployment and promoting economic The “Horeca Kosovo – Ho(Spitable) Re(Silient) Ca(Pable)” project, with a funding of 4 million euros, will soon be launched and will be implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to support the labor integration of young Kosovars.
– Preschool Education: Commitment to strengthening the educational system will continue, particularly in the area of preschool education, with the goal of improving access to and the quality of educational services offered to children. Preschool education is seen as a key factor in ensuring equal opportunities from early childhood and in shaping future generations of citizens. The project “PEDAKOS II – Support for Pre-School Education in Kosovo,” with a budget of 1 million euros, is about to start. It represents the second phase of a previous intervention supporting the Ministry of Education of Kosovo, aiming to improve access to and the quality of educational services for children.
– Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources: Support for environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources will remain a priority. New interventions will focus on developing eco-friendly tourism models and protecting natural areas of particular value, ensuring that economic development goes hand in hand with environmental preservation.