March 2022
During the 21 months from ‘patient zero’ until mid-December 2021, during the pandemic, Kosovo has gone through multiple crises. The direct crisis is that of the public health.
In addition to the socio-economic crisis, which is the most serious crisis, during the pandemic Kosovo also went through the most serious political crisis in its history as a state, with political instability never seen before.
This policy analysis aims to analyze these and other developments in Kosovo during the pandemic, and its scope in three components: (in)-political stability and governance, the functioning of civil society organizations (CSOs) and media freedom.
In this context, it analyzes the consequences of the pandemic and their negative impact on these three components of state function.
February 2022
Since 2018, Kosovo has not applied for membership in any major international organization. Although expanding its presence in international organizations has been one of the main goals of Kosovo's foreign policy in the post-independence period, membership in the Venice Commission in 2014 remains the last major multilateral accession for Kosovo.
The Government Program 2021-2025 includes several commitments for multilateral accession. One of the most important commitments is to apply for membership in the World Trade Organization.
This policy note discusses Kosovo's prospects of joining this organization, in light of the functions and importance that this multilateral body plays for the global economy today.
February 2022
Our latest publication aims to provide an overview of Kosovo's foreign affairs in 2021. The report is part of PIPS's commitment to document and analyze Kosovo's foreign policy policies each year. The study focuses on the main events and policy developments that have dominated Kosovo's foreign relations, as well as the successes and challenges it faces in implementing key foreign policy goals. Aims to document key developments shaping Kosovo's bilateral diplomacy, dialogue with Serbia, recognition and membership in international organizations, and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Shkurt 2022
Efektet socio-ekonomike të Covid-19 në Kosovë jane evidente që nga marsi i vitit 2020, kur u morën masat e para nga qeveria, e deri më tani në vitin 2022.
Ky studim ndihmon për të pasqyruar se si kjo periudhë është kuptuar ekonomikisht dhe socialisht në Kosovë pothuajse dy vjet pas fillimit të pandemisë. Qëllimi i këtij punimi është të lehtësojë një komunikim më të mirë ndërmjet perceptimeve të qytetarëve dhe politikave institucionale në mënyrë që të ndikojë në vendimmarrje të hapur, transparente dhe demokratike.
Me në metodologji të përzier - kuantitative dhe kualitative - të dhënat nga ky hulumtim paraqesin politikat e qeverive të Republikës së Kosovës, masa që drejtpërdrejtë ishin reflektuar tek punëtorët, duke goditur kështu të ardhurat, konsumin në treg dhe duke cënuar mirëqenien e shoqërisë.
January 2022
The justice system has so far undergone ongoing reforms and there have been efforts by various Governments to prioritize long-term challenges that make it impossible for justice institutions to function and provide justice to citizens. This analysis aims to discuss the current state of justice system reform in Kosovo during 2021, in particular in the context of the implementation of the SAA and other reforms for EU integration.
January 2022
Regional cooperation in the Balkans is accompanied by a deep mistrust between states. Various initiatives initiated by the European Union or EU members, have installed various mechanisms to facilitate regional relations and maximize benefits for all participating countries. However, this has often not been the case. This Policy Note analyzes in a comparative context the government proposal with the existing economic cooperation agreement. Meanwhile, it provides an overview of how the new proposal would work, in the normative framework.
December 2021
The aim of this policy analysis is to shed light on how the six Western Balkan countries dealt with preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). It is intended to be the first of a series of analysis on the issue. While this paper will focus on specific country initiatives and actor-based analysis, the upcoming publications will provide a regional statistical outlook concerning the phenomenon of foreign fighters, including the repatriation and reintegration initiatives, convictions, as well as the challenges faced by the six Western Balkan countries.
December 2021
1 year has passed since the signing of the Washington agreement for economic normalization between Kosovo and Serbia.
PIPS has evaluated and analyzed the implementation of 5 key points from this agreement as follows:
(1) designation of Hezbollah as a whole as a terrorist organization
(2) participation in Mini-Schengen (Open Balkans)
(3) compliance with the moratorium which suspended Kosovo's applications for membership in international organizations
(4) mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel for Kosovo, namely the relocation of the Embassy in Jerusalem for Serbia; and
(5) working with other countries to promote the decriminalization of homosexuality
Kosovo has met 4 of these points, while Serbia only 2 of them.
This publication clarifies the political context and the actions taken by both parties to realize these points.