Kosovo

Since 1999, Norway has granted more than NOK 1.5 billion in support to Kosovo. Humanitarian aid was vital in connection with the war. As the need for humanitarian aid gradually ceased after the war, Norwegian support was directed to the justice sector and the security sector, as well as to democracy building and efforts to strengthen the human rights situation.

Education

In 2008, Norway decided to focus particularly on education, private sector development and job creation measures, as well as on measures for security of minorities in a multi-ethnic Kosovo. Focus has been on vocational training, and two new vocational schools have been built. Curricula for these schools have been developed with assistance from Oslo University College. A scholarship scheme giving students from Kosovo an opportunity to complete part of their education in Norway, has also been launched.

Security and competence building

Norway has contributed to increased accountability and transparency in Kosovo, for instance through seconding of police. EULEX is an MMA (Monitoring, Mentoring and Advising) mission in Kosovo. Despite Kosovo's independence there are approximately 1 600 EU officials in the country, for instance police personnel and judges. Norway contributes with up to four police officers. Their work is mainly in Pristina, but also in the provinces. Norway participates among other things in the fields of investigation, border policing and the effort against organized crime.

Evaluation of efforts in the Western Balkans

From 1991 to 2008, Norway's total assistance to the countries in the Western Balkans reached more than NOK 10 billion. Despite some criticism, assessment concludes that Norway's support to the Western Balkans has been successful. The assistance has been relevant, largely due to good political work. Furthermore, an evaluation report by Norad concludes that effectiveness has been largely positive through the use of "the Norwegian model".

However, for Kosovo it has been pointed out that it is difficult to see concrete results from the peace and reconciliation support.

Reduction

The Norwegian government will gradually decrease its development support to the Western Balkans. The reason for this is the growing political and financial role of the EU in the country.