The project "Promoting local democracy in Kosovo*" (2020-2021) aimed to improve local self-government and the quality of local democracy in Kosovo* by fostering multilevel dialogue and strengthening the capacities of local authorities and elected representatives as drivers of change. It addressed key elements of good governance, including ways to prevent and combat corruption, to advance public ethics and to foster citizen participation as a means of reinforcing the accountability of local public administrations.

The project was implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in close co-operation with the Association of Kosovo Municipalities and in line with the principles enshrined in the European Charter of Local Self-Government (ETS No. 122) and its Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority (CETS No. 207).

The project stemed from the discussions on needs and strategic priorities held within the Working Group on Co‑operation between the Council of Europe and Kosovo* and added to the results of the European Union/Council of Europe Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey. In addition, the project built upon Congress co‑operation activities carried out since 2012 and was based on the Council of Europe intensified co‑operation with Kosovo* over the years.

• Central authorities consider the recommendations of the assessment on the state of local self-government – conducted as part of the project – in the development of relevant policies at central and local level
• The institutional position of local authorities and their Association is strengthened, and they are empowered to lead change

The project approach was two-fold: on one hand the Congress will support the implementation of reforms for improving local self-government by fostering dialogue between authorities at the central and municipal level and through expertise. On the other hand, local authorities and the Association of Kosovo Municipalities have been equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve local governance and lead change to meet citizens’ expectations. This was based on a peer-to-peer exchanges, capacity building and sharing of best practices, involving members of the Congress, and international and local experts.

• Kosovo* central and local authorities took into consideration the recommendations of the Council of Europe Congress on local self-government in the development of policies and identification of reform priorities
• Local elected representatives contributed proactively to the implementation of Council of Europe recommendations on democratic governance through the Association of Kosovo Municipalities
• Local authorities and their elected representatives developed initiatives and policies on open government and public ethics to further enhance local governance

• Association of Kosovo Municipalities
• Local authorities
• Central government and Assembly of Kosovo*
• Local civil society organisations