Serbia

Since 2000, Serbia has received more than NOK 1.5 billion from Norway. The goal: Obtain stability and democracy in the country. A large part of the support has been used in efforts to stabilize and democratize. An evaluation report from Norad concludes that the results are positive – especially in the fields of democracy building, and police and army reforms. One reason for the better results in Serbia than in Bosnia-Herzegovina is that the state functions better in Serbia.

Great tensions

Serbia and Montenegro are still highly polarised societies and experience strong internal tensions. The tensions are political, national, religious, ethnic and geographic. An extensive economic cooperation between Norway and Serbia makes Norway one of the largest donors in the country. Furthermore, Norway is highly visible in the region due to an extensive municipality-to-municipality cooperation, as well as close political contact.

Reconciliation

Open Fun Football Schools, organized by The Football Association of Norway, is a reconciliation project particularly aimed at children and young people. This project is run in Serbia, Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and involves thousands of children, young people, parents and adult instructors of both sexes from different ethnic groups. Tournaments focusing on fun and enjoyment constitute an important part of the project. These events create multi-ethnical meeting places and opportunities providing positive common experiences for children and young people from different backgrounds.

In cooperation with Switzerland, Spain and Sweden, Norway contributes to a new integrated UN project in southern Serbia promoting reconciliation between ethnic groups as well as to economic and social development. Several media projects have contributed to balanced reporting on the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia as well as on the development in countries in the region. Norwegian support for the preservation of the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons is an important part of the reconciliation work, along with the efforts to integrate these groups.

Good governance

Norway works closely with the Serbian authorities to identify projects that are important for the development of democratic institutions in the country. Integration into the European Union is one of the most important goals of the Serbian government, and Norway's assistance will contribute towards this goal. Norway has had ready access to civil society and authorities in the country, which has provided a sound basis for political assessment and reporting.