Kosovo should look to European models of municipal service delivery

Today, as part of the “Local Governance Academy” training programme, the Kosovo Local Government Institute delivered the module on “Models of Local Governance in Europe”. The module examined the principles of local governance at EU level and, as specific examples, looked at how local government is organised and functions in European countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany.

The officials taking part in the programme heard presentations from: Ambassador Jan Braathu on the Norwegian system of local government; Mr Norbert Piljs, who described in detail the system of municipalities and cantons in the Netherlands; and Mr Guether Fehlinger, who presented the municipal system and the federal system of Austria’s 9 regions. Kai Hofmann presented Germany’s federal system and the history of local government in that country. Alongside the legal and functional treatment of local government in the countries mentioned above, the panellists also offered a detailed comparative analysis of these models against the local government system in Kosovo.

In addition to providing specialised knowledge of local governance at European level, today’s module also served to strengthen communication and networking between Kosovo’s local government institutions and friendly countries and donors. This approach of the Kosovo Local Government Institute not only guarantees that the human and functional capacities of municipal officials are built, but also ensures that bridges of international cooperation and support serve the country’s development and democratisation. More than ever, local government institutions in Kosovo need specialised support in improving governance and service delivery and in carrying out projects, and to this end the Kosovo Local Government Institute is helping to strengthen cooperation among the actors in this field.